One-step preparation of zirconia coated silica microspheres and modification with d-fructose 1, 6-bisphosphate as stationary phase for hydrophilic interaction chromatography

In this study, ZrO₂ layer coated silica microspheres (ZrO₂/SiO₂) were successfully prepared by a facile one-step surfactant-free hydrothermal route under low pH condition. The synthesized ZrO₂/SiO₂ material was then modified with d-fructose 1, 6-bisphosphate (FDP) to improve the chromatographic separation property of the material. Fused-silica capillary columns were prepared with the modified material for evaluation. Phenolic, nucleobases and alkaloids compounds in hydrophilic interaction chromatographic (HILIC) mode showed symmetrical peaks. The FDP-ZrO₂/SiO₂ stationary phase showed better performance than ZrO₂/SiO₂ packing material and demonstrated great potential for application in HILIC mode.