Thermo Fisher Scientific

Your educational resource for biopharma, pharma, environmental, food and agriculture, industrial, and clinical labs

  • Categories
    • Advancing Materials
    • Advancing Mining
    • AnalyteGuru
    • Analyzing Metals
    • Ask a Scientist
    • Behind the Bench
    • Biotech at Scale
    • Clinical Conversations
    • Examining Food
    • Identifying Threats
    • Illuminating Semiconductors
    • Life in Atomic Resolution
    • Life in the Lab
    • OEMpowered
    • The Connected Lab
  • About Us
  • Contact
Accelerating ScienceAnalyteGuru / Ion Chromatography / Level Up Your Ion Chromatography Knowledge with the IC Education Hub

Level Up Your Ion Chromatography Knowledge with the IC Education Hub

By Gemma Ellison, Thermo Fisher Scientific 09.20.2021

Ion Chromatography is a little different from other chromatographic techniques. Some say it is more niche or specialist, and there is nothing wrong with that. I can understand this assumption; ion exchange chemistry is more involved. Then there are additional devices not used in HPLC, such as the suppressor. To understand suppression is key, as this is what makes ion chromatography a viable analytical technique.

Over the 45-plus years of commercially available IC systems, innovations have continued and utilizing electrolytic technology has brought about eluent generation, electrolytic trap columns, carbonate removal devices as well as a host of suppressors, depending on your application.

Then there are alternative detectors to consider, such as pulsed amperometric detection for carbohydrates and amino acids, and the huge growth in use of IC coupled to mass spectrometry.

With all of these devices, detectors and options, it is easy to see why IC needs a little more attention and understanding. However, don’t feel overwhelmed, as with anything in life, the more you understand something, the more you can benefit Knowledge really is power!

As an IC user, you might be the dedicated IC specialist in the lab, the one to whom everyone turns for help on IC. We know how that feels, which is why we have developed the IC Education Hub, a place for you to learn about all the different aspects of IC.

Know your DRS from your CRD, your EG from your CRTC

Whether you are new to the technique or an experienced user, there is always something new to learn. We can take you back to the beginning of the fundamentals of ion exchange. You may want to pick up extra tips on software or troubleshooting. Whatever the level of experience, there is something for everyone in the IC Education Hub.

The IC Education Hub is a dedicated site to learning about all aspects of ion chromatography. In the hub you will find:

  • Online tutorials on chemistry, column selection, carbohydrates and troubleshooting
  • How-to videos on installation, preventative maintenance and troubleshooting
  • White papers and technical notes on innovations and how they work
  • Chat videos with our experts to pass on their tips, tricks and knowledge
  • Educational webinars, applications, selection guides and more

Browse, search, request, engage

The hub is broken up into categories to make it easier to browse; you can search terms and filter the menu to find the right subject. IC is a broad topic, so if there is something you can’t find, you can request a topic using the simple form at the top of the hub. We will work to include this in our regular updates. We love your feedback.

So if you ever wondered why there are so many columns and how to choose, what the difference is between carbonate chemistry and hydroxide, how suppression works, or how on Earth you ”burp” a conductivity cell and why would you want to, then this is the place for you.

The hub is open – come on in!

1975 text image

Innovations of 1975 and the Birth of the First Commercialized Suppressed Ion Chromatograph

The year 1975 was a remarkable period in the history of tech...

Read More
Food packaging

Enhancing PFAS Analysis in Food Contact Materials Using Combustion Ion Chromatography

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in...

Read More
Robust Analysis of Halogens and Sulfur in Industrial and Environmental Samples

Robust Analysis of Halogens and Sulfur in Industrial and Environmental Samples

In industrial processes, accurately determining halogens and...

Read More
IC Golden Jubilee blog header image

What is the Ion Chromatography Golden Jubilee? Celebrating 50 Years of IC Innovation

The year 2025 marks the golden jubilee of ion chromatography...

Read More

Gemma Ellison

Enzyme Assay Automation for Animal Feed Analysis: Rapid and Reliable Results
Don’t Get Lost in Your HPLC Method Development

Privacy StatementTerms & ConditionsLocationsSitemap

© 2025 Thermo Fisher Scientific. All Rights Reserved.

Talk to us