Suppression is a technique that plays an integral role in ion exchange chromatography as well as conductivity detection. It is commonly used in the detection and analysis of molecules such as ions as well as organic acids. There are numerous factors behind its popularity and effectiveness. These factors includes its ability to decrease background conductivity of the eluent which aids in the accuracy of result, minimizing of baseline noises which enables smoother analyses, optimization of signal to noise ratio and increasing the sensitivity of the measuring system. Suppressors are important when conductivity detectors are used and the mobile phase is intensively conducting essentially leading to saturation of the detector’s response. To avoid this, the suppressor is inserted between the ion exchange separator column and the detector. The device then releases hydronium or hydroxyl ions depending on the characteristics of the mobile phase. Releasing these ions converts the mobile …show more content…
It also delivers a conductive eluent due to the presence of a conductivity detector. After separation, the suppressor essentially reduces the conductivity of the eluent as well as sample counter ions with suppressor ions. The above process not only reduces the conductivity, but it also reduces associated noises while simultaneously increasing the conductivity response of the analyte. With the suppressor in place, an electrolyte also facilitates the recycling of the eluent in a reagent free ion chromatography with eluent regeneration. All the sequences above all leads to peak and current efficiency in an ion exchange chromatography that possesses a suppressor. Also, the regeneration of reagents means that suppressors can be cost efficient with regards to reagents. In summary, suppressors have revolutionized Ion-exchange chromatography based