Optimization of an ultrasonic ionization source using a Quadrupole Time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Identifier:  TFG:1345

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFG1345

Authors:  Cortés Sevilla, Rubén

Abstract:
Optimization of an ultrasonic ionization source using a Quadrupole Time-of-Flight mass spectrometer Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer is one of the best ways to identify and quantify different compounds in complex samples due to its high performance. Fast data acquisition, high resolution and high mass accuracy are few of its different advantages. However, this instrument normally has as an ionization source an Electrospray Ionization, one of the most important things that makes the QTof-MS a common choice in analytical laboratories. The main advantage of the ESI is that it makes soft ionization, allowing to analyse big molecules without fragmenting them to little charged particles. Even though this advantage is the main factor to choose this ionization source, with ESI it cannot be optimized separately the nebulization and droplet charging. It is wanted to find another ionization source less dependent of these parameters and easier in its working process, so all this problem can be solved with ambient ionization, specifically an ultrasonic ionization source. All the optimization process is shown in this project, where different set ups are going to be tried in order to achieve the same value of highest peak intensity with the ESI, or as well-known in this project as sensitivity. The optimization of QTof-MS modes of operation, sample volume and source temperature is followed by trying different set ups as an APCI needle, a Heated Bazooka Capillary or different plastic tubes to see the effect of orientation.