Optimization of the phase system in the analysis of polynuclear aromatics (PNA) from diesel engine exhaust by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Polynuclear aromatics (PNA) were collected and enriched from diesel engine exhausts by means of a probe and an absorber system. Group separation of PNA from other constituents of exhaust was accomplished through elution with n-heptane on a silica column. A variety of phase systems ranging from unpolar to strong polar packings and eluents, respectively, were tested to resolve PNA into single species. Of these a n-octadecyl bonded silica packing and methanol/water was found to be the most optimal with regard to resolution for real PNA mixtures. Separation was completed within 2–3 h at isocratic conditions.