Novel method to prepare polystyrene-based monolithic columns for chromatographic and electrophoretic separations by microwave irradiation.

Microwave irradiation can provide a viable alternative to the traditional means such as ultraviolet light and thermal initiation for the preparation of monolithic capillary columns. Polystyrene-based monolithic stationary phases were prepared in situ in fused-silica capillaries and simultaneously in vials. The column permeability, electrophoretic and chromatographic behavior were evaluated using pressure-assisted capillary electrochromatography (pCEC), capillary electrochromatography (CEC) and low pressure liquid chromatography (LPLC).