Importance of GC Column Deactivation Technology in the Analysis of Challenging Compounds

A recent advancement in gas chromatography (GC) column deactivation balances chromatographic performance of acidic, basic and neutral analytes at trace level concentrations. Deactivation is a critical step in GC column manufacturing that modifies the fused silica capillary surface activity to promote coating and adhesion. Residual surface silanols, which result from contamination or incomplete deactivation, adsorb acidic and basic compounds, contributing to peak area loss or tailing. Deactivation procedures vary between products and manufacturers, with individual benefits and drawbacks that become exacerbated during sensitive applications. There is increasing demand to improve identification and quantification of reactive analytes with complex or consolidated methodologies. TriMax deactivation technology improves polymer adhesion and minimizes residual surface activity for a long lasting, broadly inert surface. Columns built with the new GC deactivation technology were challenged with a wide variety of applications, and against traditional 5-type columns. Overall, the TriMax deactivation presents an advancement over traditional GC columns, providing unparalleled inertness to a broader range of acids, bases, and neutrals. These improvements offer opportunity for method consolidation and trace level analysis that would not be successful with traditional technology.