| 摘要 |
A method of separating ions comprises causing ions to separate according to their ion mobility or differential ion mobility by virtue of their interactions with a buffer gas within an ion mobility or differential ion mobility separation device. The buffer gas comprises one or more organic, organosilicon or silicon-based compounds containing two or more carbon or silicon atoms, or more preferably five or more carbon or silicon atoms. The one or more organic, organosilicon or silicon-based compounds may comprise one or more hydrocarbon, hydrosilicon or hydrosilane compounds which are volatile or gaseous at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, said compounds preferably making up substantially 100% by volume of the total buffer gas composition. In particular, the buffer gas may comprise or consist of ethane, propane, butane, isobutene, cyclopropane, cyclobutane and/or neopentane. The method may further comprise selecting or adjusting the composition of the buffer gas so as to enhance the separation characteristics of the mobility separation device. |
