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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
05:47
Sample Preparation for Probe Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: February 19, 2020
Plasma-assisted electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Feng Yuan1, Sining Li1, Min Zhang1
1College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610068, PR China.
Talanta
|August 6, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a plasma-assisted electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (PAESI-MS) platform that amplifies microdroplet reactivity for enhanced chemical analysis. The cost-effective system improves detection sensitivity for a wide range of compounds.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Plasma Science
Background:
- Microlightning in microdroplets offers unique chemical reactivity but is limited in intensity.
- Amplification is needed for practical applications of microdroplet chemistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an innovative plasma-assisted electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (PAESI-MS) platform.
- To enhance detection sensitivity and analyze compounds across a broad polarity range.
Main Methods:
- Integrated a grounded metal mesh into a commercial electrospray ionization (ESI) source.
- Coupled plasma generated from nebulizing gas with the ESI plume in situ.
- Optimized parameters including applied voltage, nebulizing gas flow rate, and sample infusion rate.
Main Results:
- Achieved substantial enhancement in detection sensitivity for highly polar compounds.
- Enabled efficient analysis of low-polarity analytes.
- Experimentally validated compound detection across a broad polarity range.
Conclusions:
- PAESI-MS is a cost-effective and versatile mass spectrometry strategy for real-sample analysis.
- Plasma activation amplifies microdischarges, enhancing microdroplet chemistry.
- PAESI-MS shows strong potential for advancing microdroplet chemistry research.
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