Core-Shell HPLC Columns

InertCore Biphenyl

Specifically designed for advanced aromatic compound separations, InertCore Biphenyl features a core shell structure that offers high π-π interaction selectivity and robust hydrophobic retention. This column delivers sharp, reliable peaks for complex mixtures—ideal for method development and challenging analyses.

InertCore C8

Engineered for rapid and efficient analysis of moderately hydrophobic compounds, InertCore C8 features a core shell structure that ensures consistent peak shapes and reliable reproducibility. Its robust octyl phase delivers optimal retention and stability, making it ideal for routine LC method development and high-throughput workflows.

InertCore Plus C18

Designed for maximum stability and exceptional batch-to-batch consistency, InertCore Plus C18 combines core shell technology with a robust octadecyl phase to deliver outstanding retention, sharp peak symmetry, and high durability. This column is ideal for demanding UHPLC/HPLC analyses and routine workflows where reproducibility is critical.

What Is Core Shell HPLC Technology?

Core shell HPLC columns mark a significant advancement in chromatographic science, offering a unique solution to the classical trade-off between efficiency and operating pressure. Instead of fully porous particles, these columns are packed with innovative particles consisting of a solid, impermeable core coated by a thin, porous shell. This design streamlines analyte migration and substantially limits longitudinal diffusion. As a result, users benefit from exceptionally sharp, well-resolved peaks and dramatically improved plate numbers, even without the need for ultra-high pressures.

Scientific studies and real-world applications consistently demonstrate that core shell HPLC technology allows analysts to achieve the high resolution expected from sub-2 µm columns, yet with system backpressures manageable for conventional HPLC. In practice, this means laboratories can accelerate method development, streamline validated workflows, and scale up analyses—without hardware compromise or excessive solvent consumption.

Learn More:  Shop HPLC Columns → | Method Development Library →

Key Advantages of Core Shell Technology

Superior Efficiency & Resolution:

By combining a precisely engineered particle size with the shortened diffusion path of core shell design, these columns consistently deliver higher theoretical plate numbers and improved separation. This translates to greater confidence in peak identification and quantification, particularly for structurally similar analytes or samples with complex matrices.

Superior Efficiency & Resolution:

By combining a precisely engineered particle size with the shortened diffusion path of core shell design, these columns consistently deliver higher theoretical plate numbers and improved separation. This translates to greater confidence in peak identification and quantification, particularly for structurally similar analytes or samples with complex matrices.

Reduced Run Time and Solvent Use:

Enhanced mass transfer kinetics not only shorten analysis times, but also lower the overall volume of organic solvents required per run. This increase in laboratory efficiency supports sustainability initiatives and reduces operational costs, which is crucial for high-throughput or environmentally conscious labs.

Low System Backpressure:

Core shell columns are designed to offer the high speed and resolution of smaller particle columns, but at the pressure profile of standard 3 µm formats. This makes upgrading performance possible without investing in expensive UHPLC equipment—ensuring compatibility with both modern and legacy HPLC systems.

Batch-to-Batch Consistency:

Through rigorous manufacturing controls and meticulous quality assurance, GL Sciences core shell columns deliver highly reproducible results, minimizing run-to-run and lot-to-lot variability. This level of consistency is essential for labs operating under strict regulatory or QA requirements.

Application Versatility & Use Cases

GL Sciences offers a diverse core shell column lineup—Biphenyl, C8, and Plus C18—each tailored for specific analyte chemistries and separation challenges. Whether the goal is resolving aromatic isomers, optimizing peptide analysis, or developing robust LC methods for routine pharmaceutical QC, these columns excel in flexibility and predictability.

For regulated laboratories and validated workflows, core shell HPLC technology is especially advantageous. Reproducible retention times, excellent peak symmetry, and stable selectivity make these columns the method developer’s choice—trusted worldwide for research, QA/QC, and regulated environments alike.

 

 

Column	InertCore Plus C18 Learn More →	InertCore C8 Learn More →	InertCore Biphenyl Learn More →
Base Material	Core-shell type silica gel	Core-shell type silica gel	Core-shell type silica gel
Particle Size	2.6 µm	2.6 µm	2.6 µm
Solid Core Size	2.0 µm	2.0 µm	2.0 µm
Surface Area*	200 m²/g	200 m²/g	200 m²/g
Pore Size	90 Å (9 nm)	90 Å (9 nm)	90 Å (9 nm)
Functional Group	Octadecyl (C18)	Octyl (C8)	Biphenyl
End-capping	Yes	Yes	Yes
Carbon Loading*	15%	10%	10%
Recommended pH Range	1–10	1.5–9	1.5–8.5
USP Code	L1	L7	L11
Max Pressure	100 MPa (2.1 mm I.D.) 60 MPa (3.0 / 4.6 mm I.D.)	100 MPa (2.1 mm I.D.) 60 MPa (3.0 / 4.6 mm I.D.)	100 MPa (2.1 mm I.D.) 60 MPa (3.0 / 4.6 mm I.D.)

 

*Value calculated for the porous layer only (core excluded).