Mathematical modelling of adsorption and transport processes in capillary electrochromatography: Open-tubular geometry

A mathematical modelling approach for open-tubular capillary electrochromatography is presented. The spatially one-dimensional model takes into account (i) a coupling of (non)linear adsorption of positively or negatively charged analyte molecules (at a negatively charged capillary inner surface) with the equilibrium electrokinetics at this solid-liquid interface, (ii) mobile phase transport by electroosmosis and pressure-driven flow, as well as (iii) transport of species by electrophoresis and molecular diffusion. Under these conditions the local zeta-potential and electroosmotic mobility become a function of the concentration of the charged analyte. The resulting inhomogeneity of electroosmotic flow through the capillary produces a compensating pore pressure as requirement for incompressible mobile phase flow (i.e., for constant volumetric flow along the capillary). The results of the simulations are discussed in view of the surface-to-volume ratio of the capillary lumen, the analyte concentration (in combination with a Langmuir isotherm for the adsorption process), and buffer effects.