Field-Flow Fractionation: Methodological and Historical Perspectives

Abstract
Field-flow fractionation (FFF) is briefly introduced with respect to its working nature, mechanism of retention, types of applications and relationships to chromatography. Nine fundamental characteristics of FFF are then outlined. The 9 characteristics are used to distinguish FFF from other separation methods which employ an external field perpendicular to the flow axis. Three brief accounts of the early history of FFF are given. These accounts relate the individual experiences of the 3 authors of this article.