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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Photoelectron Imaging of Anions Illustrated by 310 Nm Detachment of F−

Photoelectron Imaging of Anions Illustrated by 310 Nm Detachment of F⁻

Published on: July 27, 2018

Capillary photoionization: a high sensitivity ionization method for mass spectrometry.

Markus Haapala¹, Tina Suominen, Risto Kostiainen

¹Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, FIN-00014 Viikinkaari 5 E, Finland. markus.haapala@helsinki.fi

Analytical Chemistry

|May 30, 2013

Summary

A new capillary photoionization (CPI) method enhances mass spectrometric analysis for diverse compounds. This technique offers high sensitivity and efficiency, particularly for nonvolatile and nonpolar substances.

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Imaging of Biological Tissues by Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

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Published on: July 12, 2013

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Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Photoelectron Imaging of Anions Illustrated by 310 Nm Detachment of F−

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Published on: July 27, 2018

Imaging of Biological Tissues by Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Imaging of Biological Tissues by Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Published on: July 12, 2013

Area of Science:

Analytical Chemistry
Mass Spectrometry
Chemical Analysis

Background:

Existing capillary ionization methods have limitations in analyzing nonvolatile and nonpolar compounds.
There is a need for sensitive and efficient ionization techniques for diverse sample types in mass spectrometry.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce and validate a novel capillary photoionization (CPI) method for mass spectrometric analysis.
To demonstrate the effectiveness of CPI for both liquid and gaseous samples, including challenging nonpolar and nonvolatile analytes.

Main Methods:

Utilized a heated transfer capillary with a vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) transparent window for sample introduction and ionization.
Employed VUV light (10 eV) for photoionization within the capillary, enabling direct analysis from atmosphere to vacuum.
Integrated CPI with Gas Chromatography (GC) for comprehensive analysis of complex mixtures.

Main Results:

Achieved good overall sensitivity for both nonpolar and polar compounds due to maximized ion transmission.
Demonstrated high ionization efficiency for nonvolatile and nonpolar compounds, overcoming limitations of other methods.
GC-CPI-MS analysis of steroids showed excellent chromatographic resolution, linearity (R(2) > 0.993), low limits of detection (2-6 pg/mL), and good repeatability (4-15% RSD).

Conclusions:

Capillary photoionization (CPI) is a versatile and sensitive technique for mass spectrometric analysis of various compounds.
CPI offers significant advantages for analyzing nonvolatile and nonpolar analytes, expanding the capabilities of MS.
The GC-CPI-MS method provides a robust platform for analyzing complex biological samples like steroids.