This is a research planning grant for a minority investigator, Luis Colon, who is a new faculty member of analytical chemistry at the State University of New York at Buffalo. In this work, Professor Colon will develop a research proposal on the synthesis of modified chromatographic stationary phases using sol-gel chemistry. Here, the alkyl moieties normally used to modify chromatographic supports are introduced during the formation of the glass or silica support. These materials are expected to have better hydrolytic stability than conventional chromatographic stationary phases. This research planning grant supports the efforts of Luis Colon to develop new materials to serve as the basis for separation of a wide range of chemical species. The materials developed here may be resistant to a broader range of harsh solution conditions than the traditional materials. Potential applications include separations of biotechnological, pharmaceutical and environmental importance.
