Established and emerging atmospheric pressure surface sampling/ionization techniques for mass spectrometry

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Mass Spectrometry
• Surface Science

Background:

• The field of atmospheric pressure sampling and ionization for mass spectrometry has seen rapid expansion.
• The proliferation of acronyms complicates understanding of these diverse techniques.
• Existing literature lacks a clear categorization based on fundamental processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To categorize atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry techniques based on surface sampling and ionization mechanisms.
• To provide a clear overview of the principles, applications, and future potential of these methods.
• To demystify the complex landscape of atmospheric pressure sampling and ionization techniques for mass spectrometry.

Main Methods:

• Classification of techniques based on surface sampling strategies.
• Categorization based on ionization mechanisms.
• Explanation of underlying physical and chemical principles for each category.

Main Results:

• A simplified categorization of atmospheric pressure sampling and ionization techniques.
• Detailed explanations of operational principles for key methods.
• Discussion of representative applications and future research directions.

Conclusions:

• The developed categorization provides a framework for understanding diverse atmospheric pressure MS techniques.
• Clarifying principles and applications enhances the utility of these methods in analytical chemistry.
• Future advancements in these techniques promise broader applications in surface analysis.