Synthesis and modifications of materials for separation science

Abstract: This thesis deals with the preparation of materials for use in separation science and their surface modification by grafting. The overall aim is the preparation of diverse materials by combination of a set of developed tools.Included in the thesis is the synthesis of monolithic media using non-traditional crosslinkers, the characterization of their porous properties and initial testing in reversed-phase chromatographic separation of proteins. The preparation of a library of short polymer chains, telomers, with varied functionality and their characterization is reported. Included in the characterization is the gradient polymer elution chromatography of selected telomers on a monolithic column in capillary format. The technique shows promise as a tool for monitoring of polymerization processes and for the separation of telomers with similar size but different functionalities or characteristics.Finally, the combination of polymeric support materials and the prepared telomer library is used in surface modification. Surface modification is performed onto activated surfaces via a “grafting to” approach. One example is shown, the surface modification of epoxy-modified divinylbenzene particles by attachment of telomer chains introducing ion-exchange functionality. The material is tested for the separation of proteins, in ion-exchange chromatography mode.