According to a recent study published in the journal Analytical Chemistry, Chinese scientists succeeded
Mass spectrometry with transfer reactionproton (PTR-MS) is a valuable research tool. However, scientists have long been trying to achieve high sensitivity by creating mobile versions of the spectrometer (M-PTR-MS). To improve the sensitivity of the instruments, researchers use radio frequency focusing electric field in drift tubes for focusing ions. The problem is that this increases the power consumption of the instrument and its size. Therefore, the technology is not suitable for M-PTR-MS.
In a new study, scientists replaceda traditional ring electrode with five curved electrodes and a welded metal mesh. This reduced the inner diameter of the five curved electrodes and contributed to efficient ion focusing. This is how the engineers realized a direct current funnel that focuses in a constant electric field.
The new structure has many advantages. Compared with a traditional drift tube, the sensitivity of the DC ion funnel has increased from 3.8 to 7.3 times. It also maintains the soft ionization in a standard spectrometer.
Researchers use ion funnel technologyDC to the M-PTR-MS model for mobile monitoring of volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere. And the result was impressive. Additionally, the DC ion funnel can be easily coupled to other types of mass spectrometers to improve their sensitivity, the scientists noted.
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