Christopher A. Pohl Wins the 2025 Lifetime Achievement in Chromatography Award from LCGC International

Christopher A. Pohl Wins the 2025 Lifetime Achievement in Chromatography Award from LCGC International

Pohl’s extensive career has been marked by pioneering advancements that continue to shape the field today. His work in ion chromatography alone has led to groundbreaking innovations, including the development of polymeric stationary phases, advanced suppressor technologies, and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) methods. Throughout his career, Pohl has been awarded 110 U.S. patents, a testament to his ingenuity and commitment to solving complex analytical challenges. As noted by his colleagues John M. Riviello and Alexandra Zatirakha, “Pohl’s contributions in ion chromatography—from sample preparation to separation and detection—are used in global laboratories every day for a wide variety of inorganic and organic ion analyses.”

Pohl’s journey in separation science began at the University of Washington, where he earned a B.S. in Analytical Chemistry in 1973. Early in his career as a research scientist at the Clorox Company, he developed a foundational suppressible ion pair method, setting the stage for his future work in mobile phase ion chromatography (MPIC). Later, during his tenure at Dionex Corporation and subsequently Thermo Fisher Scientific, Pohl introduced numerous innovations in IC technology that transformed laboratory analysis.

Some of Pohl’s most notable contributions include the development of hydroxide-selective anion-exchange phases for IC, which enabled laboratories to achieve lower detection limits and more consistent linearity, expanding the applications of IC technology. He was also instrumental in the creation of the first flat membrane suppressors, significantly enhancing IC system performance, stability, and reliability. His development of ASE technology advanced sample preparation by allowing faster and more efficient extraction of trace elements from complex matrices, now widely used in environmental, pharmaceutical, and food safety analyses.

“Chris’ innovations are responsible for making ion chromatography an essential technique in the modern analytical chemists’ toolbox,” Riviello said. “His ability to push the boundaries of IC technology has had a lasting impact on the scientific community and on Thermo Fisher Scientific.”

Throughout his career, Pohl’s impact on separation science has been recognized by numerous awards, including the American Chemical Society (ACS) Award in Chromatography in 2023 and the Eastern Analytical Symposium (EAS) Separation Science Award in 2018. In addition, his work has been essential in establishing Thermo Fisher Scientific as a leader in IC technology.

Pohl’s contributions extend beyond his inventions. For over 30 years, he has actively volunteered with Destination Imagination, a global program encouraging students in STEAM fields, and served on the boards of numerous scientific organizations. He has also been a dedicated reviewer for major scientific journals, including Journal of Chromatography A and Analytical Chemistry, lending his expertise to ensure high standards of scientific rigor.

The 2025 Lifetime Achievement in Chromatography Award celebrates Christopher Pohl’s legacy as a pioneer, mentor, and innovator. His work not only advanced chromatography but also laid the groundwork for future breakthroughs that continue to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and applicability of chromatographic methods worldwide. Pohl’s contributions will continue to shape the field for generations to come.