James Fritz

Analytical Separations

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Research Interests

Our major goal is to devise innovative methods for separation and chemical analysis. Work is also directed towards understanding the fundamental principles involved and for the preparation of resins and reagents necessary for the research. Past examples have included solid-phase extraction (SPE) for preconcentration of trace organic substances from water, and pioneering work in ion chromatography. Both SPE and ion chromatography are now considered to be essential methods in most analytical laboratories.

Our major current research is in the following areas:

  1. Methods for separation and speciation of chemical substances, such as anions, metal cations, and organic compounds. These methods include capillary electrophoresis (CE), ion chromatography (IC), and liquid chromatography (LC). The rationale for pursuing research in this area is simply that chromatography (including CE) is the most widely used analytical method in the world. Advances in many branches of science and technology depend on a steadily growing capability for chemical analysis.
  2. New resin particles and techniques for solid-phase extraction (SPE) and for various types of chromatographic separations. Sample pretreatment is often a critical step in a chemical analysis. SPE is a clean analytical procedure that is replacing polluting methods that use relatively large amounts of liquid organic solvents. Our group is recognized as a leader in developing superior materials and techniques for SPE.
  3. Studies directed towards a better understanding of fundamental analytical separation processes. Current examples include the effect of mobile phase additives on resin surfaces in liquid chromatography and mechanisms involved in separation of inorganic cations and anions by capillary electrophoresis.
  4. We have a continuing interest in methods for analysis and cleanup of nuclear and other toxic wastes. Our experience in chelating resins should be valuable in attacking waste problems of the 2000s.