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Related Concept Videos

Mass Spectrometers01:16

Mass Spectrometers

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This lesson details the instrumentation of a mass spectrometer—a physical instrument to perform mass spectrometry on analyte molecules and record the characteristic mass spectra. This is achieved via three chief functions:
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Electrospray Ionization (ESI) Mass Spectrometry01:12

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Higher molecular weight biomolecules are nonvolatile compounds that may decompose before ionizing or vaporizing during mass analysis with conventional electron impact ionization methods. Accordingly, electrospray ionization (ESI) is the favored method for vaporizing and ionizing biomolecules as it circumvents rapid fragmentation and enables the recording of mass signals for the entire biomolecule.
ESI utilizes electrical energy to transfer ions from the liquid phase of the sample into the...
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Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS): Overview01:19

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In inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS), an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch is used as an atomizer and ionizer. Solid samples are dissolved and volatilized before being introduced into the high-temperature argon plasma, while solution samples are nebulized and passed through the high-temperature argon plasma. Plasma dissociates the analytes and ionizes their component atoms to form a mixture of positive ions and molecular species. The positive ions are then...
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Mass Spectrum: Interpretation01:24

Mass Spectrum: Interpretation

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An unknown compound can be established by identifying the molecular ion peak in the mass spectrum. The molecular ion peak is often weak or absent due to the predominance of fragmentation in high-energy electron beams. In such cases, a soft-energy electron beam can be used to scan the spectrum to enhance the intensity of the molecular ion peak. Additionally, chemical ionization, field ionization, and desorption ionization spectra are used to obtain a relatively intense molecular ion peak.To...
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Mass Analyzers: Common Types01:19

Mass Analyzers: Common Types

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The quadrupole mass analyzer consists of four cylindrical metal rods arranged in a diamond carrying a DC voltage and a radio-frequency AC voltage. The motion of ions through the quadrupole depends on the field strength, causing only ions of a certain m/z to resonate successfully and strike the detector at a given field strength. Though the transmission rate for these analyzers is high, the exact elemental composition of the sample is not determined because of low resolution; however, they are...
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Chemical Ionization (CI) Mass Spectrometry01:21

Chemical Ionization (CI) Mass Spectrometry

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The molecular ion peak of a molecule in the mass spectrum provides vital information for molecular identification. However, conventional electron impact ionization can lead to the rapid dissociation of some molecular ions before they reach the detector. A milder ionization method is required to increase the lifetime of such ionized analyte molecules. Chemical ionization (CI) is a gas-phase protonation reaction useful for mass-analyzing analyte molecules that are easily protonated to yield the...
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Updated: Jan 15, 2026

Analysis of Volatile and Oxidation Sensitive Compounds Using a Cold Inlet System and Electron Impact Mass Spectrometry
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3D-Printed Field-free Ionization Source for Mass Spectrometry.

Ran Tian1,2,3, Jiayang Li4, Yu Xia4,5

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.

Analytical Chemistry
|October 6, 2025
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Summary

Researchers developed a novel 3D-printed ionizer for mass spectrometry that uses spontaneous charging via gas-solid triboelectric interactions. This voltage-free device offers a portable, energy-efficient, and low-cost solution for ambient chemical analysis.

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Area of Science:

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Materials Science
  • Engineering

Background:

  • Conventional ambient ionization methods for mass spectrometry rely on high-voltage fields, hindering portability and energy efficiency.
  • There is a need for simpler, more accessible ionization techniques for on-site chemical analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a novel, voltage-free ionization source for mass spectrometry using 3D printing.
  • To investigate spontaneous charging mechanisms based on triboelectric effects for droplet generation.
  • To demonstrate controllable ion generation and electron transfer for ambient chemical analysis.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication of a 3D-printed ionization source with a BaTiO3-doped poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nozzle.
  • Utilizing a coaxial flow configuration with sheath gas to induce triboelectric charging of emerging droplets.
  • Employing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for simulation of fluid dynamics and wall shear stress.
  • Characterizing droplet charge density and size using Faraday cup measurements.
  • Assessing ionization efficiency and electron transfer using methyl viologen (MV2+) as a probe.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated spontaneous charging of droplets via gas-solid triboelectric interactions without external voltage.
  • Achieved precise modulation of droplet charge density (up to 0.3 nC/μL) and size by tuning nozzle parameters.
  • Confirmed efficient electron transfer and secondary product formation, indicating enhanced interfacial electron availability.
  • CFD simulations supported the proposed charge-generation mechanism through sustained wall shear stress.

Conclusions:

  • A structurally simple, low-cost, and power-free 3D-printed ionization source was successfully developed.
  • Triboelectric enhancement enables voltage-free ion generation and controllable electron transfer for ambient mass spectrometry.
  • This technology presents a promising alternative for portable and energy-efficient chemical analysis.