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Sample Preparation for Probe Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: February 19, 2020
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Graphite-coated nanoelectrospray emitter for mass spectrometry
1Department of Chemistry, Natural Sciences Complex, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14260-3000, USA.
Analytical Chemistry
|December 13, 2003
Summary
A novel graphite coating method enables rapid, mass production of durable nanoelectrospray ionization emitters. These optically transparent emitters are stable for hours, ideal for online separations.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Nanoelectrospray ionization (NSI) emitters are crucial for sensitive analyte detection.
- Current methods for coating NSI emitters can be time-consuming and limit mass production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid and scalable method for coating nanoelectrospray emitters with graphite.
- To enhance the durability and stability of NSI emitters for various ionization modes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a vacuum deposition chamber with a graphite carbon electrode to coat laser-pulled borosilicate glass micropipets.
- Applied a thin (20-30 nm) conductive graphite coating to the emitters.
Main Results:
- Achieved mass production of NSI emitters in a short timeframe.
- The graphite coating demonstrated optical transparency and stability for several hours under high voltage.
- The coating proved durable in both positive and negative ion modes, even during electrical discharge.
Conclusions:
- The vacuum deposition method offers a rapid and efficient way to produce robust graphite-coated NSI emitters.
- These stable and optically transparent emitters are suitable for coupling with online separation techniques like capillary liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis.
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