What role does the stationary phase play in ion exchange chromatography?

What role does the stationary phase play in ion exchange chromatography?

Ion exchange chromatography depends on a stationary phase that carries fixed electrical charges to enable charge-based separation. These charged groups create selective attraction for oppositely charged ions, which determines whether a substance is retained or allowed to pass through. Without a charged stationary phase, ion exchange chromatography cannot function as a separation method.

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