Size Exclusion Chromatography

Size Exclusion Chromatography, also known as Gel Filtration Chromatography, is a method of analysis that separates molecules based on their size. The stationary phase is made up of small, uniform porous particles, typically silica or polymer. Smaller molecules become trapped in these porous particles and elute from the column at a slower rate than larger molecules. Therefore, the retention time is determined by the size of the molecule, with larger molecules eluting first and smaller molecules eluting last. It is important to note that there is no physical or chemical interaction between the analyte and the stationary phase in this technique. Size Exclusion Chromatography is commonly used for separating industrial polymers and proteins.