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Illustrating Some Principles of Separation Science through Gravitational Field-Flow Fractionation

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Rattikan Chantiwas

Institute for Science and Technology Research and Development, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Ronald Beckett , Reshmi Sharma and Goja Andric

Department of Chemistry, Water Studies Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia

Jaroon Jakmunee and Kate Grudpan

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

J. Chem. Educ., 2007, 84 (12), p 1955

DOI: 10.1021/ed084p1955

Publication Date (Web): December 1, 2007

Abstract

Particle separation is an important but often neglected topic in undergraduate curricula. This article discusses how the method of gravitational field-flow fractionation (GrFFF) can be used to illustrate many principles of separation science and some fundamental concepts of physical chemistry. GrFFF separates particles during their elution through a flat rectangular channel. The mechanism can be readily understood in terms of gravitational settling, laminar fluid flow, and hydrodynamic lift forces. The article outlines material suitable for lecture and laboratory courses in analytical and physical chemistry. A tested laboratory experiment is available.