Size Exclusion Chromatography

How does SEC work, click here for the video!

Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) separates molecules based on their size, or more precisely, their hydrodynamic volume. It is based on the discrimination of individual sample components by the pores of the packing material. Large sample molecules cannot or can only partially penetrate the pores and elute from the column first, whereas smaller molecules can access all or a larger number of pores and elute later. SEC is the only mode of chromatography that does not involve interaction with a stationary phase by means of adsorption or partitioning of the solutes.

The terms SEC, GFC (gel filtration chromatography) and GPC (gel permeation chromatography) all refer to the same chromatographic technique. In GFC an aqueous mobile phase is used, while an organic mobile phase is employed in GPC. The general term SEC covers both uses.

More information

SEC-SW Series

TSKgel SW-type columns (SW, SWXL, SuperSW, UltraSW, and UP-SW) are all based on spherical silica particles with very high internal pore volume. They are stable from pH 2.0 to 7.5 and have excellent solvent stability up to 100% polar organic solvents.
SEC-PW Series

Polymeric TSKgel PW and high resolution TSKgel PWXL columns are designed for SEC of water soluble organic polymers, polysaccharides, DNA and RNA. They are based on a hydrophilic polymethacrylate matrix. Stable from pH 2 to 12, TSKgel PW series columns can be used in mobile phases of water or buffer (up to 50% polar organic solvent).
SEC-Alpha-Super AW

The TSKgel Alpha and SuperAW column series offer a new alternative for performing SEC. The columns are packed with a hydrophilic, highly crosslinked polymer which is compatible to a wide range of solvents ranging from pure aqueous up to 100 % organic mobile phases.
SEC-H Series

TSKgel H series GPC columns are optimized for the analysis of organic-soluble polymers and are packed with porous spherical polystyrene divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) particles. This series includes TSKgel HXL, HHR, SuperH, SuperHZ, and SuperMultiporeHZ columns. Each line of columns within this series differs in degree of inertness, solvent compatibility and operating temperature range.
SEC-Polymer Standards