The LCGC Blog: Overcoming “Separation Anxiety” – Accessible Resources to Learn Chromatography and Separation Chemistry

I've spent many years working in chromatography and separation chemistry, and I still remember how overwhelming method development and troubleshooting used to feel. In the early days, every challenge—including tracking down leaks in gas and liquid chromatography systems—seemed like a mountain to climb. It was a bit like trying to fix a leaky pipe with no clear instructions. Then there was that time I had to optimize chromatography for extremely polar analytes right after a colleague accidentally contaminated our gas chromatography (GC)-Ion Trap with fish extracts! Those were the days when every setback taught me valuable lessons about the rewards—and the challenges—of chromatography.

Now, as someone who teaches and trains separation chemists, I want to share some insights on learning the basics of separation chemistry and picking up handy troubleshooting techniques along the way. Trust me, dealing with leaks and other issues isn’t as scary once you know what to look for and how to fix it. Now, you can learn how not to be that colleague who contaminates the instrument for others to suffer with!

While many dedicated authors have contributed valuable insights, the volume of information can sometimes be overwhelming. I suggest checking out a range of resources until you find what works best for you. More importantly, learn the fundamentals one step at a time, or even better, learn as you practice. Make sure you understand the fundamental principles of the separation method and your instrument’s basic functioning first and then build your knowledge as you go.

“Okay,” you may ask, “but how do I know what to learn and when?” Well… ask yourself questions as you work with your instrument and find resources to help you fill any knowledge gaps. Don’t take anything for granted.

An example that comes to mind: say you are doing your first injection using GC, and the protocol you are using mentions setting up a split (1:10) or splitless mode injection. Do you know what a split (or splitless) injection is? Yes? Great! No? Go learn it—don’t let that SOP outsmart you! Repeat this every day during your chromatography practice, and that is how you begin the journey to becoming an expert in the technique you are using.

In today’s fast-paced scientific landscape, staying current with the latest separation techniques is essential, especially given their crucial roles in both the industrial and pharmaceutical sectors. As emphasized in a report by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (which I highly recommend reading), “Separation science plays a critical role in maintaining our standard of living and quality of life” (1).

One valuable resource I’ve found, among the numerous others available online, is Chromacademy (2)—an online educational platform dedicated to chromatography and related separation methods. It provides a comprehensive set of courses organized into intuitive modules. Whether you're just starting out and need to understand the basic principles behind chromatography or looking to dive into advanced techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), Chromacademy’s content is both engaging and accessible. The platform also features real-world case studies and application-focused materials, allowing learners to see how chromatography is applied across industries, from pharmaceuticals to environmental analysis.

Chromacademy is accessible through a tiered subscription model for different learning needs and professional requirements. The Basic tier, which is often free or offered at a low introductory price, gives users access to a selection of essential courses and reading materials—perfect for those wanting to test the waters. The Professional tier opens the door to a full library of courses, complete with interactive lessons and certificates of completion for many modules, making it ideal for professionals and students looking to deepen their expertise. Chromacademy also offers specialized academic access for educational institutions, educators, and students.

Chromedia (3) is another online hub dedicated to the world of chromatography and separation science. It serves as a comprehensive resource for professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts by curating the latest news, technical articles, and educational content in the field. The platform brings together updates on new technologies, industry trends, and events like conferences and webinars, making it easier for the chromatography community to stay informed and connected.

And have you heard about the LC Troubleshooting Bible (4)? Well, if not, you must have a look at it!

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Tutorials in Analytical Chemistry (5) includes video series on chromatography and calibration strategies, which is a highly valued resource for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of measurement science in analytical chemistry. Developed by NIST, these videos provide practical solutions to the critical aspects of chromatographic analysis and the calibration methods that ensure the accuracy and reliability of quantitative measurements. The series explores how robust calibration strategies underpin every successful chromatographic analysis. Calibration is not just a procedural step; it is the foundation that transforms raw instrument data into meaningful, reproducible results.

Chromatography instrument vendors also provide excellent resources for method development and troubleshooting. I won’t mention any specific vendor here, but believe me, many useful resources are just one Google search away!

Do you want to know more about free simulators for virtual chromatography laboratory experiments? Have a look at Chuck Lucy’s LCGC article from 2020 (6).

Also, don’t forget that many conferences dedicated to analytical chemistry all over the world— in particular, to chromatography and separation chemistry—that offer short courses and practical training. This is a great opportunity to learn and interact in person with experts in the field. Do not miss or overlook opportunities like these!

Last but not least… read LCGC International’s “Column” on LC troubleshooting (7), GC connections (8), Sample Prep Perspectives (9), and why not… the History of Chromatography (10)!

A final suggestion for graduate students in chemistry-related fields out there: if your program offers a separation method course, don’t miss the opportunity; many research projects involve the use of separation methods.

Hopefully, all the resources above will help you overcome the “Separation Anxiety”!

References

(1) National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. A Research Agenda for Transforming Separation Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. DOI: 10.17226/25421

(2) Homepage. LCGC’s Chromacademy 2025. www.chromacademy.com (accessed 2025-2-23)

(3) Homepage. Chromedia Analytical Sciences 2025. www.chromedia.org (accessed 2025-2-23)

(4) The 2016 LC Troubleshooting Bible. LC Resources 2016. www.lcresources.com/training/tsbible.html (accessed 2025-2-23)

(5) Tutorials in Analytical Chemistry. NIST 2023. www.nist.gov/programs-projects/tutorials-analytical-chemistry (accessed 2025-2-23)

(6) Lucy, C. A. Free Simulators for Virtual Chromatography Laboratory Experiments. LCGC N. Am. 2020, 38 (8), 456, 468. https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/free-simulators-for-virtual-chromatography-laboratory-experiments (accessed 2025-2-23)

(7) Columns | Column: LC Troubleshooting. LCGC International 2025. www.chromatographyonline.com/columns/column-lc-troubleshooting (accessed 2025-2-23)

(8) Columns | Column: GC Connections. LCGC International 2025. www.chromatographyonline.com/columns/column-gc-connections (accessed 2025-2-23)

(9) Columns | Column: Sample Prep Perspectives. LCGC International 2025. www.chromatographyonline.com/columns/sample-prep-perspectives (accessed 2025-2-23)

(10) Columns | Column: Historry of Chromatography. LCGC International 2017. www.chromatographyonline.com/columns/column-history--of-chromatography (accessed 2025-2-23)

About the Author

Emanuela Gionfriddo is a professor at the University at Buffalo, in Buffalo, New York. She received her PhD in analytical chemistry in 2013 from the University of Calabria, and carried out postdoctoral studies with Prof. Janusz Pawliszyn at the University of Waterloo in Canada. The focus of her work is creating green extraction methodologies to analyze complex biological and environmental samples. Gionfriddo has also been recognized with a National Science Foundation CAREER Award, and she is the 2023 winner of the LCGC Emerging Leader in Chromatography Award.