Patent ID: 7947174

Claim:
A monolithic sol-gel column comprising: a) a hydrothermally pretreated fused-silica capillary tube including an inner surface; and b) a porous matrix of substantially homogenous composition and being free of chromatographic particles, said porous matrix comprising i) a functional group having a positive or negative charge; and ii) at least one chromatographically active moiety chemically bonded to said porous matrix; wherein said porous matrix is chemically bonded to said inner surface of said capillary tube; wherein said column comprises a gas-filled portion distal to said porous matrix and that has not been contacted by said porous matrix and that has smooth surface characteristics and that is optically transparent, and wherein said column does not comprise an end frit; and wherein said porous matrix is formed in situ by a one-step process inside said capillary tube.