Concentration Distributions in Capillary Zone Electrophoresis: CZE in a Spreadsheet

A straightforward model, with explicit mathematical solutions, for capillary zone electrophoresis, allowing the
usage of multiple co-ions, is given. Consequences for the
peak shape, electromigration dispersion, and detection
are discussed. As only simple mathematical operations,
e.g., addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and
occasionally a square root, are used, the model is extremely spreadsheet compatible, and simulations are fast
and easy. Simulations give results in terms of concentration distributions, electrical field strength profiles, and UV
detection traces. The origins of system peaks, vacancy
peaks/differential peaks, peaks/dips in UV detection
traces, and trailing/fronting phenomena are explained in
detail. Simulations of three co-ion background electrolyte
with and without analytes are shown, and the quantitative
aspects of system peaks are discussed. Simulations are
in close agreement with experimental practice.