Fabrication and Preliminary Results for LiGA Fabricated Nickel Micro Gas Chromatograph Columns.

High aspect ratio nickel microfluidic columns were fabricated using the LGA technique. The 2-m-long 50-µm-wide high aspect ratio columns will be the separation component of a handheld gas chromatograph device for detecting semivolatile and volatile compounds. As a first step, 600-µm-deep electrodeposited nickel columns were fabricated. The serpentine columns were sealed and pressure-flow rate characteristics compared with the theoretical values. The response of the sealed columns was studied by running methane gas plugs through uncoated columns with a flame ionization detector at the exit. Negligible flow-induced dispersion was observed in the sealed metal columns. Unretained peak widths of ~15 ms were measured, and the experimental pressure and flow rate distributions matched those predicted by established analytical models within ±2.5%. Columns were coated with OV-1 stationary phase using static coating methods. A mixture of four hydrocarbons C6, C8, C10, and C12 was separated in a coated 50 µm by 600 µm by 0.5 m column in less than 2 s at 70 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]