Minimizing axial dispersion in narrow packed column using superhydrophobic wall

The scope of minimizing dispersion in narrow packed column using superhydrophobic (SH) wall is assessed experimentally with implications in analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography. The study includes devising a packed column (7-19 mm) with lotus leaf pasted on the inner wall and establishing a gravity driven flow through it. The flow dispersion is characterized based on the residence time distribution study of the column. The results are compared against similar flow through smooth packed column. Experimental results reveal the influence of two factors: column diameter as well as the wall features, superhydrophobic or smooth. For similar surface features, the axial dispersion reduces with decrease in column diameter due to the increase in voidage, which leads to plug flow. For the same diameter, between smooth and superhydrophobic, effects of slip in the latter reduce the dispersion significantly. Thus, the introduction of superhydrophobic narrow columns can play a crucial role in minimizing dispersion in analytical techniques.