Ion transfer between ion source and mass spectrometer inlet: electro-hydrodynamic simulation and experimental...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Mass Spectrometry
• Computational Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Ion transfer from atmospheric pressure ion sources to mass spectrometer inlets is crucial for MS sensitivity.
• Traditional methods for ion transfer simulation often neglect the impact of dynamic gas flow.
• Integrating electric fields and gas flows is essential for optimizing ion transfer and MS performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate ion transfer influenced by both electric fields and gas flows using a nanoESI source.
• To develop and validate an electro-hydrodynamic simulation (EHS) model for predicting ion transfer.
• To explore the potential of EHS in guiding the design of atmospheric pressure ion optics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a nanoESI source positioned off-axis in front of a mass spectrometer inlet.
• Performed electro-hydrodynamic simulation (EHS) to model ion transfer dynamics.
• Validated EHS predictions through experimental characterization of ion transfer.

Main Results:

• EHS results, incorporating gas dynamics, showed strong agreement with experimental findings.
• Adjusting gas flow rates allowed for modification of relative ion species intensities.
• Achieved differential transfer of selected ion species, demonstrating selective ion manipulation.

Conclusions:

• EHS is a powerful and validated tool for designing ion optics at atmospheric pressure.
• Combined electric and dynamic air fields enable efficient gas-phase ion separation in the source region.
• This approach offers a rapid and convenient alternative to sophisticated ion mobility devices for MS applications.