Paper Chromatography: Application for Quantitative Analysis
Start Date
2023 4:00 PM
Location
Alter Hall Poster Session 2 - 2nd floor
Abstract
Thin layer chromatography (TLC) is a common separation technique used to determine the composition of samples. It is widely used because it is generally inexpensive, fast, and requires little sample preparation compared to other separation techniques. The downside of TLC is that in order to identify the chemical components, the Rf values typically need to be measured soon after separation has completed, and before colors of the components fade away. In addition, TLC is a primarily qualitative technique which requires more complicated steps if quantitative analysis of components is desired. This includes scraping the analyte spot and dissolving it in a suitable solvent for further analysis with other techniques. This research aims to overcome the limitation of time constraint in analyzing the separation results by taking a digital image of the TLC plate. This enables data analysis of Rf values to be done at a later time and the original separation results can be kept for second opinion, if needed. Digital image will also allow expansion of TLC application to quantitative analysis. Here, RGB values will be examined to see how they correlate to concentration of the substance of interest. Precise sample introduction methods e.g. using a micropipette or a small scale gas chromatography syringe, will also be evaluated.
Paper Chromatography: Application for Quantitative Analysis
Alter Hall Poster Session 2 - 2nd floor
Thin layer chromatography (TLC) is a common separation technique used to determine the composition of samples. It is widely used because it is generally inexpensive, fast, and requires little sample preparation compared to other separation techniques. The downside of TLC is that in order to identify the chemical components, the Rf values typically need to be measured soon after separation has completed, and before colors of the components fade away. In addition, TLC is a primarily qualitative technique which requires more complicated steps if quantitative analysis of components is desired. This includes scraping the analyte spot and dissolving it in a suitable solvent for further analysis with other techniques. This research aims to overcome the limitation of time constraint in analyzing the separation results by taking a digital image of the TLC plate. This enables data analysis of Rf values to be done at a later time and the original separation results can be kept for second opinion, if needed. Digital image will also allow expansion of TLC application to quantitative analysis. Here, RGB values will be examined to see how they correlate to concentration of the substance of interest. Precise sample introduction methods e.g. using a micropipette or a small scale gas chromatography syringe, will also be evaluated.
