Robotized Noncontact Open-Space Mapping of Volatile Organic Compounds Emanating from Solid Specimens.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Chemical Sensing
• Robotics

Background:

• Traditional volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis requires sample homogenization and solvent extraction, lacking spatial resolution.
• Existing methods are time-consuming and may alter the original distribution of VOCs on solid matrices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a robotized, pen-shaped probe (PENVOC) for open-space sampling and spatial mapping of VOCs from solid specimens.
• To overcome the limitations of conventional VOC analysis by providing in-situ, high-resolution chemical imaging.

Main Methods:

• A robotized pen-shaped probe (PENVOC) integrating a vacuum-assisted suction system and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry.
• Robotic arm manipulation for automated scanning of flat surfaces, allowing specimens to be positioned away from the mass spectrometer.
• Characterization using chemical standards and application to diverse samples including flowers, smoke-exposed items, and food products.

Main Results:

• The PENVOC system achieved detection limits in the range of 2.33 × 10^-5 to 2.68 × 10^-4 mol m^-2 for tested chemical standards.
• Generated unique spatial distribution maps of VOCs for various real-world specimens.
• Demonstrated the ability to rapidly obtain comparable results to time-consuming traditional methods.

Conclusions:

• The robotized PENVOC probe offers a novel, efficient method for spatial VOC mapping of solid samples.
• This technique provides high spatial resolution and can be applied non-destructively.
• Potential applications span environmental monitoring, forensic investigations, and food science quality control.