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Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Using a Cyclic Ion Mobility Spectrometer for Tandem Ion Mobility Experiments
Published on: January 20, 2022
Combined Ion Mobility/Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Study of Electrospray-Generated Ions
R Guevremont1, K W Siu, J Wang
1Institute for National Measurement Standards, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0R6.
This study combines ion mobility spectrometry with time-of-flight mass spectrometry to analyze electrospray plumes. Researchers identified distinct ionic species and observed protein-solvent clustering in cytochrome c.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biophysical Chemistry
- Spectrometry
Background:
- Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) separates ions based on size and charge.
- Time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) measures ion mass-to-charge ratio.
- Interfacing IMS with TOF-MS enhances the characterization of complex ionic species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To interface a commercial IMS with a custom linear TOF-MS.
- To analyze electrospray-generated plumes and their ionic constituents.
- To investigate the behavior of different ionic species, including peptides and proteins.
Main Methods:
- Coupling of a commercial ion mobility spectrometer with a custom linear time-of-flight mass spectrometer.
- Analysis of electrospray-generated plumes containing tetraalkylammonium salts, a peptide, and proteins.
- Selective determination of separated ionic species using TOF mass spectrometry.
Main Results:
- Ion mobility spectra of examined species typically showed a few distinct peaks.
- Some mobility-resolved species generated characteristic electrospray ions, while others did not.
- TOF mass spectra of cytochrome c indicated protein-solvent clustering at temperatures ≤90 °C.
Conclusions:
- The coupled IMS-TOF-MS system effectively analyzes electrospray plumes.
- Distinct ionic species can be resolved and identified.
- Protein-solvent clustering is observable in cytochrome c under specific conditions.
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