Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, progresses in the research of ultra-high resolution ion mobility spectrometer

[Chinese instrument network instrument research and development] Recently, Li Haiyang, researcher of the Rapid Separation and Detection Research Group of the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, developed a resolving power without loss of ion sensitivity using a TPG ion gate. R) ion mobility spectrometry technology over 100. This technology is expected to improve the accuracy of commercial ion mobility spectrometers for the identification of explosives and chemical warfare agents, and to reduce the false alarm rate of the instrument. The relevant research results were collected by Analytical Chemistry.

The field of ion mobility spectrometry technology is faced with the challenge of how to improve the resolution of ion mobility spectrum while not losing its detection sensitivity to different ions. In order to solve this problem, the research group proposed a "three-zone theory" to explain the electric field characteristics of closed doors of BNG ion doors in 2012. Under the guidance of the theory, by increasing the ion door closing voltage, the resolving power and the detection sensitivity can be increased synchronously within a certain range. However, an excessively high shutoff voltage will result in the loss of ion sensitivity, and the greater the mobility, the more pronounced the ion sensitivity loss.

In a recent study, Li Haiyang team developed a TPG ion gate without ion discrimination. Based on the ion gate, by increasing the intensity of the internal migration electric field of the ion mobility spectrum and reducing the ion door opening time, the resolution capability of the ion mobility spectrum is improved to over 100 while maintaining the sensitivity of different ions. This technology solves the problem of interference of TATP recognition by different solvents, improves the accuracy of commercially available ion mobility spectrum instruments for identifying TATP, and reduces the false alarm rate of the instrument.

This research is another technological breakthrough in the field of ion mobility spectrometry after Li Haiyang's team developed ultra-high sensitive ion mobility spectrometry technology. The research work was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

(Original Title: Advances in Ultra High Resolution Ion Mobility Spectrometry for Dalian Institute of Chemicals)