What Problems Happen When the Wrong Buffer Is Used in Chromatography?
The wrong buffer in chromatography can cause poor peak shape, unstable retention time, weak separation, low detector response, sample precipitation, high back pressure, column damage, and unreliable results. These problems happen because the buffer controls pH, ionic strength, and the chemical environment of the mobile phase. Poor Peak Shape : The wrong buffer can make peaks broad, tailing, fronting, split, or uneven. This usually happens when the buffer pH changes the charge form of the analyte, causing uneven interaction with the stationary phase. Unstable Retention Time : The wrong buffer can make compounds appear earlier or later than expected. If pH or ionic strength is not controlled properly, the compound may bind more strongly or weakly to the column in each run. Weak Separation : The wrong buffer can make peaks overlap or merge. When the buffer does not create the right chemical condition, compounds may not separate clearly from each other. Low Detector Respon...