An ion exchange chromatography column contains an ion exchange stationary phase that includes a charged substrate, a plurality of first particles, and a plurality of second particles. The plurality of first particles each include first ion exchange groups and the first particles are ionically bound to the charged substrate. The plurality of second particles each include second ion exchange groups and the second particles are ionically bound to the charged substrate. The first particles having a first ion exchange group density, and the second particles having a second ion exchange group density. The first ion exchange group density is greater than the second ion exchange group density. The ion exchange chromatography column has a number of zones connected in series where each zone can have a varying level of first ion exchange groups and second ion exchange group from the inlet zone to the outlet zone.