Multi-nozzle chip for electrospray ionization in mass spectrometers

摘要

The invention involves electrospray ionization of dissolved substances at atmospheric pressure in the ion source of a mass spectrometer. A chip with a multitude of spray nozzles is proposed, where each individual spray nozzle is surrounded by several sheath gas nozzles, preferably in a symmetric arrangement, for the jet-like introduction of a sheath gas. A shared attracting-voltage electrode is positioned substantially opposite the spray nozzles. The attracting-voltage electrode may have a tapering (e.g. funnel-shaped) opening above each spray nozzle so that the sheath gas jets are forced to closely envelop the spray jet, which is comprised of ions and very fine droplets. Heavier ions and droplets are thus prevented from discharging on the surfaces of the openings of the attracting-voltage electrode. Special measures can be taken to make all spray nozzles spray uniformly and to supply them with substance peaks from chromatographic or electrophoretic separators as simultaneously as possible.

主权项

1. A multi-nozzle spray chip for electrospray ionization of analyte molecules which are dissolved in a liquid, wherein each spray nozzle is surrounded by a multitude of sheath gas nozzles ejecting sheath gas, comprising
an attracting-voltage electrode which is located substantially opposite, and shared by, all the spray nozzles and has one opening of a plurality of openings substantially opposite each spray nozzle, and wherein each opening of the plurality of openings is configured such as to shape a sheath gas flow of the associated multitude of sheath gas nozzles to closely envelop droplets and ions of a spray jet generated by the associated spray nozzle.