Controlling the pore structure of zirconia for chromatographic applications

This paper describes the preparation of zirconia for chromatography. Size exclusion chromatography was used to evaluate the pore structure particularly as it applies to chromatographic applications. Using sodium chloride impregnation techniques during calcination, pore diameters, surface areas and pore volumes could be controlled to prepare zirconia stationary phases that had improved chromatographic characteristics. Without sodium chloride, poor quality pore structures were obtained.