Abstract
In this paper, we present a compact Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FTICR-MS) designed for real time analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air or in water. The spectrometer is based on a structured permanent magnet made with NdFeB segments. Chemical ionization is implemented inside the ICR cell. The most widely used reaction is the proton transfer reaction using H3O+ precursor ions, but other ionic precursors can be used to extend the range of species that can be detected. Complex mixtures are studied by switching automatically from one precursor to another. The accuracy obtained on the mass to charge ratio (Δm/z 5 × 10−3), allows a precise identification of the VOCs present and the limit of detection is 200 ppb without accumulation. The time resolution is a few seconds, mainly limited by the time necessary to come back to background pressure after the gas pulses. The real time measurement will be illustrated by the monitoring of VOCs produced during the thermal degradation of a polymer and by an example where three different precursor ions are used alternatively to monitor a gas sample.
Highlights
Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometers (FTICR-MS) are generally known to be extremely heavy and expensive instruments implementing very high magnetic fields, and needing a very low pressure in the chamber housing the ICR cell (10−10 mbar) obtained using many turbomolecular pumps [1]
The instruments we develop and present in this paper are in a very different field
FTICR mass spectrometers based on permanent magnets are robust instruments that can be applied field measurements
Summary
Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometers (FTICR-MS) are generally known to be extremely heavy and expensive instruments implementing very high magnetic fields (up to 21 T), and needing a very low pressure in the chamber housing the ICR cell (10−10 mbar) obtained using many turbomolecular pumps [1]. Their fields of predilection involve the analysis of complex mixtures of high mass molecules such as in proteomics, in petroleomics [2], or for studies of dissolved organic matter [3].
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have