Interfacing Capillary Electrophoresis to a Mass Spectrometer via an Impactor Spray Ionization Source

摘要

A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a separation device arranged and adapted to emit an eluent over a period of time. The separation device preferably comprises a Capillary Electrophoresis (“CE”) separation device. The mass spectrometer further comprises a nebuliser and a target. Eluent emitted by the separation device is nebulised, in use, by the nebuliser wherein a stream of analyte droplets are directed to impact upon the target so as to ionise the analyte to form a plurality of analyte ions.

主权项

1. A mass spectrometer comprising:
a separation device arranged and adapted to emit an eluent over a period of time, wherein said separation device comprises either: (i) a Capillary Electrophoresis (“CE”) separation device; (ii) a Capillary Electrochromatography (“CEC”) separation device; (iii) a substantially rigid ceramic-based multilayer microfluidic substrate (“ceramic tile”) separation device; or (iv) a supercritical fluid chromatography separation device; a nebuliser and; a target; wherein said eluent emitted by said separation device is nebulised, in use, by said nebuliser wherein a stream of analyte droplets are directed to impact upon said target so as to ionise said analyte to form a plurality of analyte ions; and wherein said mass spectrometer further comprises a control system, wherein said control system is arranged and adapted either: (i) to switch the polarity of said target during a single experimental run; or (ii) to repeatedly switch the polarity of said target during a single experimental run.