Mobile Phase in Chromatography

Definition of mobile phase:

The Mobile phase is one of the important component of the chromatography which flow pass through the stationary phase and component of analyte is separate out. The mobile phase also known as eluent in chromatography.

Mobile phase may be in form of liquid or gas depends on the types of chromatography and the requirement of separation.

Characteristic of Mobile Phase:

- Mobile phase should be inert.

- Mobile phase should not be reacting with the analyte or the stationary phase.

- Mobile phase may the polar or non-polar solvent.

- Sample should be soluble in mobile phase.

Planar chromatography Mobile Phase:

In Thin layer chromatography, Paper chromatography liquid (Solvent) is used as mobile phase.  The solvents are the polar or non-polar depend on the requirement of the chromatography separation.

HPLC mobile Phase:

In HPLC chromatography liquid mobile phase is used .The HPLC mobile phase selection is depend on the type of separation and the nature of the HPLC. In HPLC chromatography generally more than one solvent is sued as the mobile phase. When the ratio of the solvent remains same throughout the chromatography separation it is known as the Isocratic. When the ratio of the solvent change during the chromatography. The technique is known as the gradient technique.

GC mobile Phase:

Gas chromatography inert gases are used as the mobile phase. Nitrogen, Helium and the hydrogen are the gases which used as the mobile phase in gas chromatography.