What is the difference between gas-liquid and gas-solid chromatography?

Gas-Liquid Chromatography (GLC)

• Stationary phase: liquid on a solid support.
• Separation: compounds dissolve differently in the liquid.
• Used for: organic compounds (alcohols, hydrocarbons).
• Peaks: sharp and clear.

Gas-Solid Chromatography (GSC)

• Stationary phase: solid adsorbent (like silica or alumina).
• Separation: compounds stick differently to the solid.
• Used for: permanent gases (O₂, N₂, CO₂).
• Peaks: broader.

In short:

• GLC → separates by solubility in liquid, for organic compounds.
• GSC → separates by adsorption on solid, for gases.