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Updated: Jan 11, 2026
Quantitative Atomic-Site Analysis of Functional Dopants/Point Defects in Crystalline Materials by Electron-Channeling-Enhanced Microanalysis
Published on: May 10, 2021
Precision at the nanoscale: an 'ionic' view of composition, structure and properties
Anagha Jose1, B S Sooraj1, Thalappil Pradeep1,2
1DST Unit of Nanoscience (DST UNS) & Thematic Unit of Excellence (TUE), Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), Chennai 600036, India. pradeep@iitm.ac.in.
Mass spectrometry (MS) is revolutionizing atomically precise cluster (APC) research. Advanced MS techniques now enable detailed analysis of cluster composition, structure, and properties, impacting materials science.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Traditionally, electron microscopy and optical spectroscopy studied nanoscale matter.
- Mass spectrometry (MS) has become crucial for analyzing atomically precise clusters (APCs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the expanding role of MS in APC research.
- To highlight the impact of MS-based techniques in materials science.
Main Methods:
- Soft ionization methods like electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI).
- Integration of ion mobility spectrometry with MS.
- Advanced techniques: charge-detection MS, ultraviolet photodissociation, mass photometry.
Main Results:
- Detailed analysis of APC composition, fragmentation, and structure.
- Correlations between molecular formula, structure, and stability.
- Expanded analytical range to larger, complex systems.
Conclusions:
- MS is vital for fundamental characterization of APCs.
- MS probes intrinsic properties like ionization potentials.
- MS techniques are crucial for materials science applications.
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