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Direct and Convenient Mass Spectrometry Sampling with Ambient Flame Ionization
Xiao-Pan Liu1, Hao-Yang Wang1, Jun-Ting Zhang1
1State Key Laboratory of Organmetallic Chemistry and National Center for Organic Mass Spectrometry in Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai, 200032 (China).
Scientific Reports
|November 20, 2015
Summary
A new flame-based ambient ionization (AFI) method uses a small n-butane flame for direct mass spectrometry analysis of organic compounds. This simple, low-cost technique offers high sensitivity for various sample types.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Mass Spectrometry
Background:
- Ambient ionization techniques enable direct sample analysis in mass spectrometry.
- Innovations are needed for simpler, more accessible ionization methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel, flame-based ambient ionization (AFI) source for mass spectrometry.
- To demonstrate the capabilities of AFI for analyzing organic compounds.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a small n-butane flame (approx. 500°C) as the ion source, eliminating the need for high voltages, lasers, or spray gases.
- Applied the AFI source for direct analysis of gaseous, liquid, and solid organic compounds, including real-world samples.
Main Results:
- Achieved rapid desorption and ionization of organic compounds using the AFI source.
- Demonstrated high sensitivity with a limit of detection of 1 picogram for propyphenazone.
- Showcased the simplicity, low cost, and user-friendliness of the AFI ion source, comparable to a standard lighter.
Conclusions:
- The ambient flame ionization (AFI) source offers a convenient, inexpensive, and effective alternative for mass spectrometry ionization.
- This technology has the potential to broaden the application of mass spectrometry in natural sciences due to its ease of use.
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