Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026

Analysis of Volatile and Oxidation Sensitive Compounds Using a Cold Inlet System and Electron Impact Mass Spectrometry
Published on: September 5, 2014
Chemical aspects of the extractive methods of ambient ionization mass spectrometry
Abraham K Badu-Tawiah1, Livia S Eberlin, Zheng Ouyang
1Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
Abstract:
Ambient ionization techniques allow complex chemical samples to be analyzed in their native state with minimal sample preparation. This brings the obvious advantages of simplicity, speed, and versatility to mass spectrometry: Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI), for example, is used in chemical imaging for tumor margin diagnosis. This review on the extractive methods of ambient ionization focuses on chemical aspects, mechanistic considerations, and the accelerated chemical reactions occurring in charged liquid droplets generated in the spray process. DESI uses high-velocity solvent droplets to extract analytes from surfaces. Nano-DESI employs liquid microjunctions for analyte dissolution, whereas paper-spray ionization uses DC potentials applied to wet porous material such as paper or biological tissue to field emit charged analyte-containing solvent droplets. These methods also operate in a reactive mode in which added reagents allow derivatization during ionization. The accelerated reaction rates seen in charged microdroplets are useful in small-scale rapid chemical synthesis.
Related Concept Videos
Mass Spectrometers
Chemical Ionization (CI) Mass Spectrometry
Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS): Overview
Electrospray Ionization (ESI) Mass Spectrometry
ESI utilizes electrical energy to transfer ions from the liquid phase of the sample into the...
Mass Spectrometry: Overview
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): Interferences

