Preparation and application of a multiwalled carbon nanotube composite monolithic column

A multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite monolithic column was prepared by the redox initiation method, and MWCNTs were embedded into the monolithic material. In this experiment, 1-octene was used as monomer, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate was used as the crosslinking agent, propanol and 1-dodecanol were used as porogens, hydroxyl-functionalized MWCNTs were used as the inorganic material, and dibenzoyl peroxide and N,N -dimethyl aniline were used as initiators. The MWCNT composite monolithic column was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm measurements. The MWCNT composite monolith showed a uniform structure and a high permeability. The MWCNT composite monolithic column uses the high-performance liquid chromatography to analyze the sample. Compared with the monolithic column without MWCNTs, the MWCNT composite monolith not only improved the column efficiency but also shortened the separation time. Six small molecules were successfully separated by the MWCNT composite monolith in 3 min, with the highest column efficiency reaching 36,000 plates/m In addition, the monolith was also used to separate complex protein samples, including snailase, plasma, and egg white. Therefore, the monolithic column was suitable both for the separation of macromolecules and small molecules. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 45070.