Gas Chromatography operates on the fundamental principles of separation based on the differential interactions between analyte molecules and a stationary phase inside a chromatographic column. The sample, typically in the gas or vapor phase, is injected into the GC system, where it is vaporized and carried by an inert gas, known as the mobile phase or carrier gas, through the column. The stationary phase, coated on the column walls or packed into the column, interacts with the sample components, causing separation based on their physical and chemical properties.
The key to the effectiveness of Gas Chromatography lies in the selectivity of the stationary phase and the efficiency of the column. Different stationary phases, such as polar and non-polar, allow for the separation of a wide range of compounds. The column's length and diameter also influence the resolution and speed of the separation. Additionally, detectors, such as flame ionization detectors (FID), thermal conductivity detectors (TCD), and mass spectrometers (MS), provide quantitative and qualitative information about the separated components.
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