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Single-photon ionization quadrupole mass spectrometry with an electron beam pumped excimer light source
F Mühlberger1, J Wieser, A Morozov
1Institut für Okologische Chemie, GSF--Forschungszentrum für Umwelt und Gesundheit, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany. f.muehlberger@gsf.de
Analytical Chemistry
|April 2, 2005
Summary
A new mass spectrometry system uses vacuum ultraviolet light for soft ionization, enabling real-time monitoring of trace organic compounds like benzene at ppb levels. This technology is ideal for analyzing process gases and emissions.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Soft ionization techniques in mass spectrometry (MS) are crucial for analyzing organic compounds in real-time.
- Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light, particularly via single-photon ionization (SPI), offers a sensitive method for gaseous matrices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a compact, mobile quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) system for on-line analysis of trace organic compounds.
- To utilize a novel electron beam-pumped rare gas VUV lamp for SPI within the QMS.
Main Methods:
- Interfacing a VUV light source with a QMS for SPI.
- Characterization of the single-photon ionization quadrupole mass spectrometer (SPI-QMS) system.
- On-line analysis of gas standards, petrochemical samples, and automotive exhaust.
Main Results:
- Achieved on-line detection limits as low as 50 ppb for benzene, toluene, and m-xylene.
- Demonstrated the system's capability for continuous monitoring of aromatic and aliphatic trace compounds.
- Successfully applied the SPI-QMS for analyzing real-world samples, including automotive exhaust.
Conclusions:
- The developed SPI-QMS system is a powerful tool for on-line monitoring of trace organic compounds in fluctuating process gases.
- The novel VUV light source integrated with QMS enables sensitive and real-time analysis.
- The instrument shows significant potential for environmental monitoring and industrial process control.