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Enhanced Resolving Power by Moving Field Ion Mobility Spectrometry
Alexander Bohnhorst1, Moritz Hitzemann1, Martin Lippmann1
1Institute of Electrical Engineering and Measurement Technology, Department of Sensors and Measurement Technology, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Appelstrasse 9A, 30167 Hannover, Germany.
Analytical Chemistry
|September 4, 2020
Summary
A new moving field ion mobility spectrometer (MOF-IMS) enhances resolving power by 60% without higher voltages. This innovation improves field applications of ion mobility spectrometry, offering better detection capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Instrumentation
Background:
- Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is valuable for field applications due to its sensitivity and portability.
- Small-scale IMS systems often exhibit limited resolving power compared to laboratory instruments.
- Improving the resolving power of portable IMS is crucial for enhanced analytical performance in diverse environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel approach for enhancing the resolving power of drift time IMS.
- To demonstrate an increase in resolving power without requiring higher drift voltages or larger power supplies.
- To present the moving field ion mobility spectrometer (MOF-IMS) as a solution for improved IMS performance.
Main Methods:
- Development of a segmented drift region for the IMS.
- Implementation of a 'moving field' concept where voltage is applied to a small, localized section of the drift path.
- Testing and characterization of the basic MOF-IMS prototype.
Main Results:
- Achieved a 60% increase in resolving power, from 60 to 95.
- Successfully enhanced resolving power without increasing the required drift voltage.
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of the MOF-IMS concept in a basic configuration.
Conclusions:
- The moving field ion mobility spectrometer (MOF-IMS) effectively increases resolving power.
- MOF-IMS offers a practical method to improve portable IMS performance for field applications.
- This technology allows for more effective utilization of voltage in IMS devices.
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