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Micro-plasma: a novel ionisation source for ion mobility spectrometry

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Abstract

Ion mobility spectrometry is an analytical method for identification and quantification of gas-phase analytes in the ppbv-pptv range. Traditional ionisation methods suffer from low sensitivity (UV light), lack of long-term stability (partial discharge), or legal restrictions when radioactive sources are used. A miniaturised helium plasma was applied as ionisation source in an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS). Experiments were carried out to compare plasma IMS with β-radiation IMS. It could be demonstrated that the plasma IMS is characterised by higher sensitivity and selectivity than β-radiation ionisation. Plasma IMS is approximately 100 times more sensitive than the β-radiation IMS. Furthermore, variable sensitivity can be achieved by variation of the helium flow and the electric field of the plasma, and variable selectivity can be achieved by changing the electric field of the IMS. The experimental arrangement, optimisation of relevant conditions, and a typical application are presented in detail.

Micro-plasma used in ion mobility spectrometry

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Acknowledgements

Financial support by the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung and the Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Forschung des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen is gratefully acknowledged. The dedicated work of Luzia Seifert, Susanne Krois, and Antje Michels was indispensable for the success of the investigations, as also was the support of Michael Schilling for the coupling of IMS and MS.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ISAS - Institute for Analytical Sciences, Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Straße 11, 44139, Dortmund, Germany

    Wolfgang Vautz, Antje Michels & Joachim Franzke

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  1. Wolfgang Vautz
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  2. Antje Michels
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  3. Joachim Franzke
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Correspondence to Wolfgang Vautz.

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Vautz, W., Michels, A. & Franzke, J. Micro-plasma: a novel ionisation source for ion mobility spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 391, 2609–2615 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-008-2181-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-008-2181-y

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