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Published on: March 9, 2018
Pulsed Nano-Electrospray Ionization: Characterization of Temporal Response and Implementation with a Flared Inlet
Jared M Bushey1, Desmond A Kaplan, Ryan M Danell
1Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3290, USA.
Researchers investigated the temporal response of pulsed nano-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (nano-ESI-MS). They characterized ion formation and detection, achieving a maximum pulse rate of 12 Hz with a custom high-voltage pulsing circuit.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Mass Spectrometry
Background:
- Pulsed nano-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (nano-ESI-MS) offers potential for enhanced detection.
- Understanding its temporal response is crucial for optimizing ion formation and signal acquisition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the temporal response of pulsed nano-ESI-MS.
- To evaluate the influence of pulsing on ion formation and detection.
- To demonstrate a controllable multi-sprayer pulsed nano-ESI source.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a custom-built high-voltage pulsing circuit to control a multi-sprayer nano-ESI source.
- Measured the temporal response (rise and decay times) of mass-resolved ion current.
- Investigated ion formation and detection characteristics under pulsed operation.
Main Results:
- Determined ion current rise time to be 20 ± 3 msec and decay time to be 61 ± 5 msec.
- Achieved a maximum pulse rate of 12 Hz.
- Demonstrated that source operation mode (pulsed or continuous) is controllable via applied voltage.
Conclusions:
- The temporal characteristics of pulsed nano-ESI-MS were successfully defined.
- A controllable pulsed nano-ESI source was developed, enabling flexible operation modes.
- This work provides insights for optimizing pulsed nano-ESI-MS applications.
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