Dual ionization sources high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry with combined ultraviolet lamp source and corona discharge source

Abstract

Dual ionization sources combining an ultraviolet (UV) lamp source and a corona discharge (CD) source were first used as ionization sources for high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) to switch ionization modes without changing hardware. The CD source was manufactured using a tungsten needle and a copper ring and its usability was verified. The UV source and the CD source were combined into the FAIMS sensor and multiple ionization modes were attempted by controlling their on-off status. The optimal flow rate, quantitative and qualitative capabilities of the system were investigated, and the experiments on the impact of humidity and interferent on the system were conducted. The experimental results indicated that the flow rate of 3–4 L/min could ensure sufficient sensitivity and resolution of the system. The dual ionization sources configuration provided richer qualitative and quantitative information for FAIMS. This platform could operate in three ionization modes and had the potential to expand the analyzable compounds of UV-FAIMS. In summary, the research demonstrates that the dual ionization sources could be used as ionization sources for FAIMS, and the combined system provided convenience for chemical analysis.