Linear and Nonlinear chromatography: an Introduction to preparative chromatography

Starting on the original model proposed by Giddings and Eyring, the theory of chromatography is revised from a microscopic point of view. The migration of a molecule inside the chromatographic column is described as a sequence of random variables, viz. the times spent in stationary phase (adsorption) and the times spent in mobile phase (desorption). The fundamental parameters used to describe any chromatographic separation are obtained in the framework of the stochastic theory of chromatography. The effects of the surface heterogeneity and mass overloading on the peak shape are discussed. A link between linear and nonlinear chromatography is established.