Synthesis, characteristics and evaluation of a new monolithic silica column prepared from copolymer pluronic F127

Monolithic silica columns were prepared via a sol-gel process using tri-block copolymer Pluronic F127 as structure-directing reagent. In this reaction, F127 induced phase separation but also acted as a template leading to a continuous structure of silica skeletons and textural pores as well as the formation of mesopores. The morphology of the monolithic materials was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The capability of separation and loading on this column were demonstrated. Phosphatidylcholine was separated from soy lecithin, demonstrating fast and efficient performance when the column was used for normal phase liquid chromatography.