Cryogenically cooled sample holder for polymer sample analysis by radiofrequency glow discharge mass spectrometry

Abstract

A cryogenically cooled sample holder has been constructed for use in the analysis of polymeric materials by radio frequency glow discharge mass spectrometry (rf-GDMS). Passage of liquid nitrogen through the body of a brass sample backing plate cools the sample down to temperatures of approximately −170°C. The cryo-cooled sample holder is readily adaptable to existing direct insertion probe assemblies commonly used in GDMS instrumentation. The benefits of low temperature cooling are illustrated in terms of the ability to analyze thermally sensitive polymers without evidence of degradation, greater temporal stability of the ion signal, and the reduction of proton transfer reactions to polymer fragment species (due to the presence of residual water vapor). Implementation of the cryo-cooled sample holder opens up many possibilities for the direct analysis of solid polymers by rf-GDMS.