gradient elution

chemistry

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June 29, 2026

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Gradient elution is a technique used in liquid chromatography to separate mixtures containing components with a wide range of affinities for the stationary phase. In this method, the composition of the mobile phase is continuously changed during the separation process. Specifically, the concentration of solutes that are strongly retained is increased by altering the polarity of the mobile phase. This approach helps to overcome the "general elution problem," which occurs when a sample contains both weakly and strongly retained components, ensuring that all components are effectively eluted and detected.1

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chromatography
Liquid chromatography
In a process termed gradient elution, the concentration of well-retained solutes in the mobile phase is increased by constantly changing the composition, and hence the polarity, of the mobile phase during the separation.
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In a process termed gradient elution, the concentration of well-retained solutes in the mobile phase is increased by constantly changing the composition, and hence the polarity, of the mobile phase during the separation.
Read More