Nanospray Desorption Electrospray Ionization: an Ambient Method for Liquid-Extraction Surface Sampling in Mass Spectrometry

Journal Article · Tue Aug 17 00:00:00 EDT 2010 · Analyst, 135(9):2233-2236

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1039/c0an00312c· OSTI ID:988118

Roach, Patrick J; Laskin, Julia; Laskin, Alexander

A novel nanospray desorption electrospray ionization (nano-DESI) approach is presented and its analytical applications are demonstrated for trace analysis of complex organic analytes deposited on substrates. In this approach the analyte is probed by a micro-droplet of charged solvent formed at the junction between two capillaries. One primary capillary is used to create and maintain a charged micro-droplet of solvent on the substrate while a second capillary is used to create a self-aspirating nanospray that delivers solvent dissolved analyte to the inlet of a mass spectrometer. This approach enables efficient separation of desorption and ionization events, thus providing better control over transport and ionization of the analyte. In this letter we present the basics of the nano-DESI approach and demonstrate its analytical capabilities. Specifically, we demonstrate significant improvement of the limits of detection and the stability of the signal as compared to the traditional DESI and discuss imaging applications.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States). Environmental Molecular Sciences Lab. (EMSL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 988118
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-70406; ISSN 1364-5528; 24493; 34503; KP1704020; KC0302020; TRN: US201018%%129
• Journal Information: Analyst, 135(9):2233-2236, Vol. 135, Issue 9; ISSN 0003-2654
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
DESORPTION
IONIZATION
MASS SPECTROMETERS
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
SAMPLING
SAMPLE PREPARATION
SURFACE PROPERTIES
NANOSTRUCTURES
TRACE AMOUNTS
Desorption Electrospray
DESI
nanospray
Scanning Probe Mass Spectrometry
Chemical imaging
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory