A composite monolithic column fabricated with functionalized nanodiamond and its application in separation of small molecules

A nanodiamond-based composite monolithic column was fabricated by redox initiation for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The functionalized nanodiamond was modified via Fenton Reagent and 3-methacryl oxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH-570). After being optimized conditions, composite monolithic columns were prepared with functionalized ND (f-ND) as functional monomer, dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate and ethylene dimethacrylate as crosslinking agents, dodecanol and 1-propanol as co-porogens, dibenzoyl peroxide and N,N-dimethyl aniline as initiators. Characterizations of the resulting nanocomposite, including fourier transform infrared spectra, scanning electron microscopy images, thermal gravimetric analysis, mercury intrusion porosimetry and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm were all carried out in detail. Bigger specific surface area, better mechanical stability, thermostability property and orderliness skeleton structure with flow-through channels and macroporous of the composite monolithic column was exhibited than those columns without f-ND added. At last, the nanodiamond-based composite monolithic column was used to separate a series of small molecules including acidic, alkaline and neutral compounds with good resolution and reproducibility in HPLC.