Capillary electrochromatography (CEC): recent materials for capillary column preparation, applications, and future perspectives

Capillary electrochromatography (CEC) is a variation of the electrophoresis technique that employs a capillary column filled with a stationary phase. Similarly, as liquid chromatography, the development of new columns started to receive attention from scientists interested in instrumentation, and some materials have been tested in open tubular (OT) and monolithic columns. Among the materials that have received particular attention in CEC column fabrication, are highlighted: graphene oxide (GO)/graphene, ionic liquids (ILs) and molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP). The present review discusses some historical aspects of CEC, column technologies, and new materials (GO/graphene, ILs, and MIP) in column preparation focusing on their synthesis. Additionally, properties and applications in pharmaceutical, proteomic, environmental, and food analysis covering the period of 2012-2020.