Electroosmotic

Electroosmotic Mobility When an electric field is applied to a capillary filled with an aqueous buffer, we expect the buffer s ions to migrate in response to their electrophoretic mobility. Because the solvent, H2O, is neutral, we might reasonably expect it to remain stationary. What is observed under normal conditions, however, is that the buffer solution moves toward the cathode. This phenomenon is called the electroosmotic flow. 

Schematic diagram showing the origin of electroosmotic flow.

Electroosmotic flow velocity, Veof, is a function of the magnitude of the applied electric field and the buffer solution s electroosmotic mobility, )J,eof. 

The electroosmotic flow profile is very different from that for a phase moving under forced pressure. Figure 12.40 compares the flow profile for electroosmosis with that for hydrodynamic pressure. The uniform, flat profile for electroosmosis helps to minimize band broadening in capillary electrophoresis, thus improving separation efficiency. 

Total Mobility A solute s net, or total velocity, Vtot, is the sum of its electrophoretic velocity and the electroosmotic flow velocity thus. 

The velocity with which the solute moves through the capillary due to the electroosmotic flow (Veof)-... 

Examining equation 12.41 shows that we can decrease a solute s migration time (and thus the total analysis time) by applying a higher voltage or by using a shorter capillary tube. Increasing the electroosmotic flow also shortens the analysis time, but, as we will see shortly, at the expense of resolution. 

First, solutes with larger electrophoretic mobilities (in the same direction as the electroosmotic flow) have greater efficiencies thus, smaller, more highly charged solutes are not only the first solutes to elute, but do so with greater efficiency. Second, efficiency in capillary electrophoresis is independent of the capillary s length. Typical theoretical plate counts are approximately 100,000-200,000 for capillary electrophoresis. 

The direction of electroosmotic flow and, therefore, the order of elution in CZE can be reversed. This is accomplished by adding an alkylammonium salt to the buffer solution. As shown in Figure 12.45, the positively charged end of the alkylammonium ion binds to the negatively charged silanate ions on the capillary s walls. The alkylammonium ion s tail is hydrophobic and associates with the tail of another alkylammonium ion. The result is a layer of positive charges to which anions in the buffer solution are attracted. The migration of these solvated anions toward... 

Capillary zone electrophoresis also can be accomplished without an electroosmotic flow by coating the capillary s walls with a nonionic reagent. In the absence of electroosmotic flow only cations migrate from the anode to the cathode. Anions elute into the source reservoir while neutral species remain stationary. 

Because micelles are negatively charged, they migrate toward the cathode with a velocity less than the electroosmotic flow velocity. Neutral species partition themselves between the micelles and the buffer solution in much the same manner as they do in HPLC. Because there is a partitioning between two phases, the term chromatography is used. Note that in MEKC both phases are mobile. ... 

The capillary used for CGE is usually treated to eliminate electroosmotic flow, thus preventing the gel s extrusion from the capillary tubing. Samples are injected... 

Capillary Electrochromatography Another approach to separating neutral species is capillary electrochromatography (CEC). In this technique the capillary tubing is packed with 1.5-3-pm silica particles coated with a bonded, nonpolar stationary phase. Neutral species separate based on their ability to partition between the stationary phase and the buffer solution (which, due to electroosmotic flow, is the mobile phase). Separations are similar to the analogous HPLC separation, but without the need for high-pressure pumps, furthermore, efficiency in CEC is better than in HPLC, with shorter analysis times. 

Methanol, which elutes at 4.69 min, is included as a neutral species to indicate the electroosmotic flow. When using standard solutions of each vitamin, CZE peaks are found at 3.41 min, 4.69 min, 6.31 min, and 8.31 min. Examine the structures and p/Ca information in Figure 12.47, and determine the order in which the four B vitamins elute. 

McKillop and associates have examined the electrophoretic separation of alkylpyridines by CZE. Separations were carried out using either 50-pm or 75-pm inner diameter capillaries, with a total length of 57 cm and a length of 50 cm from the point of injection to the detector. The run buffer was a pH 2.5 lithium phosphate buffer. Separations were achieved using an applied voltage of 15 kV. The electroosmotic flow velocity, as measured using a neutral marker, was found to be 6.398 X 10 cm s k The diffusion coefficient,... 

Electro osmosis often accompanies electrophoresis. It is the transport of Hquid past a surface or through a porous soHd, which is electricaHy charged but immovable, toward the electrode with the same charge as that of the surface. Electrophoresis reverts to electroosmotic flow when the charged particles are made immovable if the electroosmotic flow is forcibly prevented, pressure builds up and is caHed electroosmotic pressure. 

There is an additional pressure drop across the cake, developed by electroosmosis, which leads to increased flow rates through the cake and further dewatering at the end of the filtration cycle. The filtration theory proposed for electrofiltration assumes the simple superposition of electroosmotic pressure on the hydraulic pressure drop. 

Electroosmotic flow is also dependent on the zeta potential at the immobilized surface and the strength of the electric field. For electroosmosis, the flow rate generated is... 

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