How does a solute's attraction to the stationary phase affect its migration rate?

In chromatography, the migration rate of a solute is determined by the balance between the driving force of the mobile phase and the resistive force exerted by the stationary phase.1

A solute's attraction to the stationary phase acts as a resistive force that holds the molecules back. When a solute has a stronger affinity for the stationary phase, it spends a greater proportion of its time retained within that phase rather than moving with the fluid stream. Consequently, solutes that are more strongly attracted to the stationary phase migrate at a slower rate compared to those that favor the mobile phase.21

This differential migration—where different species move at distinct rates based on their relative affinities for the two phases—is the fundamental mechanism that allows for the separation of components in a mixture. The specific strength of this attraction is governed by various intermolecular forces, such as dispersion forces, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions, depending on the chemical nature of the solutes and the phases involved.12