Recent developments and future possibilities for polymer monoliths in separation science

Within recent years there has been an increase in research focused on the design and application of organic polymer monoliths in all areas of separation science. This is largely driven by the theoretical and practical benefits that these materials should be able to provide, particularly in terms of improved biocompatibility and high permeability. This review summarises recent new developments in this field with a focus on new approaches to the design and synthesis of polymeric monolithic materials for analytical separation science. This includes the use of alternative synthetic methodologies such as the development of hyper-crosslinked monoliths, preparation of hybrid materials and incorporation of nanostructures in the polymeric scaffold. New and developing approaches for the structural characterisation of monolithic columns are also included. Finally, we critically discuss the current chromatographic performances achieved with this column technology as well as where future developments in this field may be directed.