Selective ionization of gas constituents using electrolytic reactions.

摘要

57 An ion mobility spectrometer (8, 8', 8", 8"') and (88), ionization detector (210) and mass spectrometer (240, 260) is described having a reaction region (16), and means (11, 81) for introducing a sample gas (9), liquid or solid samples into the reaction region (16) and an electrolyte (34) in the reaction region (16) of an alkali salt heated to a predetermined temperature, such as room temperature to 1000°C, to provide a chemical reaction between the alkali atoms, cations or complement anions with the sample (9) to provide product ions (44, 211). The invention provides a non-radioactive ionization source and provides a means for ionization of a broad class of compounds.