Novel format chromatographic columns for improved overall analytical performance

In this work, we have developed gas chromatography columns using microfabrication techniques and interfaced them using compression sealing technique to enable high temperature (~400°C) operation. Specifically, we present graphite compression sealing technique to achieve leak-proof fluidic interconnection between the inlet tubing and the microchannel, thus removing the limiting factor of epoxy and allowing for high temperature operations. This approach also represents a significant improvement from previous designs in which the tubing are interfaced to the microfluidic channel from the side of the chip resulting which results in significant band broadening and tailing, as well as making the device less amenable to automatic installation. The microfabricated gas chromatography (μGC) column has been successfully used to perform high temperature gas separation.