Final answer:
The statement is false; in anion exchange chromatography, the stationary phase is positively charged to attract and bind negatively charged anions for separation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about anion exchange chromatography is false. In anion exchange chromatography, the stationary phase is positively charged. This allows for the attraction and binding of negatively charged ions, or anions, from the solution. As the mobile phase passes through the column, different anions will interact with the stationary phase to varying degrees based on their charge and size, which results in their separation.
Once the separation is complete, anions can be eluted from the column by increasing the concentration of a similarly charged species that will displace the bound anions or by changing the pH, which can change the charge on the bound anions.