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Flow interface for charge-reduced electrospray of nanoparticle solutions
Kouame Adou1, Murray V Johnston
1Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA.
Analytical Chemistry
|November 21, 2009
Summary
A novel charge reduction interface enables simultaneous nanoparticle analysis using electrospray ionization (ESI) coupled with mass spectrometry and particle detection. This system offers versatile configurations for diverse analytical needs.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Electrospray ionization (ESI) is crucial for analyzing nanoparticle solutions.
- Simultaneous multi-detection of nanoparticles presents analytical challenges.
- Charge reduction (CR) techniques can enhance nanoparticle analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a CR interface for ESI enabling simultaneous nanoparticle analysis.
- To evaluate two configurations: direct infusion and plug injection.
- To assess the performance of the CR interface with different detection methods.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of a CR interface for ESI.
- Utilized direct infusion and plug injection configurations.
- Coupled ESI with mass spectrometry, differential mobility analyzer (DMA), condensation particle counter (CPC), and evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD).
Main Results:
- The CR interface successfully enabled simultaneous analysis of nanoparticle solutions.
- Droplet size distribution averaged 184 nm with a geometric standard deviation of 1.4.
- Linear working ranges varied between ESI-mass spectrometry and CR device-DMA-CPC.
- Detection efficiency for the plug injection configuration was approximately 10^-6.
Conclusions:
- The CR interface is effective for simultaneous nanoparticle analysis.
- The system's configurations offer flexibility for different analytical scenarios.
- Simultaneous ELSD and CPC measurements may aid in estimating particle size.
