Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass Spectrometry: Applications in Atmospheric Sciences
Bin Yuan1,2,3,4, Abigail R Koss2,3,5, Carsten Warneke2,3
1Institute for Environment and Climate Research, Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632, China.
Chemical Reviews
|October 5, 2017
Summary
Proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) advances atmospheric volatile organic compound (VOC) research. Recent developments enhance PTR-MS for detailed VOC emission and evolution studies, improving air quality insights.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) is a key technique for analyzing atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Understanding VOC sources and their impact on air quality is crucial for environmental monitoring and policy.
- Past research has established PTR-MS for studying VOC emissions and atmospheric evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in PTR-MS instrumentation and techniques over the past two decades.
- To summarize recent applications of PTR-MS in diverse atmospheric environments.
- To highlight future directions for PTR-MS development in atmospheric sciences.
Main Methods:
- Review of instrument development, including time-of-flight mass analyzers and advanced ion guiding interfaces.
- Analysis of product ion signal specificity for various atmospheric VOCs.
- Compilation of recent research findings from urban, rural, and marine environments, biomass burning, and indoor air.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in PTR-MS performance, sensitivity, and specificity have been achieved.
- New insights into VOC sources, distributions, and chemical transformations have been gained across various environments.
- Demonstrated utility of PTR-MS in urban air, biomass-burning plumes, forests, oil/gas regions, agriculture, marine settings, and indoor air.
Conclusions:
- PTR-MS continues to be a vital tool for atmospheric VOC research, with ongoing technological enhancements.
- Recent applications have expanded our understanding of VOCs' roles in air quality and atmospheric processes.
- Future developments aim to further improve PTR-MS capabilities for applications like aerosol and OH reactivity measurements.
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