From Columns to Clouds: Emerging Interfaces and Ion Sources for Coupling Analytical Separations With Mass...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Separation Science
• Mass Spectrometry

Background:

• Mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique but suffers from matrix and isobaric interference.
• Limitations of MS necessitate coupling with separation systems to improve specificity and reduce interference.
• Traditional hyphenation methods exist, but research continuously explores novel coupling strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and highlight diverse methods for coupling separation systems with mass spectrometry.
• To discuss the advantages offered by unconventional separation-MS coupling techniques.
• To identify emerging trends, such as ambient ionization, in hyphenated MS.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of mainstream hyphenation approaches (ICP, EI, ESI) with MS.
• Investigation of unconventional coupling methods for various separation techniques (GC, LC, CE, TLC, SFC).
• Review of novel interfaces and ion sources for enhanced MS analysis.

Main Results:

• Numerous innovative techniques for coupling separation systems with MS have been developed.
• These methods expand analyte coverage, particularly for less polar compounds.
• Some techniques offer faster analysis times and reduced costs.

Conclusions:

• Coupling separation systems with MS significantly overcomes inherent limitations of MS alone.
• A wide array of conventional and unconventional techniques are available, offering flexibility.
• Ambient ionization represents a significant trend, further advancing hyphenated MS capabilities.