Measurement of nanoparticle mass distributions by laser desorption/ionizationtime-of-flight mass spectrometry

Abstract

In this paper, access to the mass distribution analysis of nanoparticles is described basedon laser desorption/ionization and time of flight mass spectrometry. Two examples aregiven, demonstrating the accurate mass distribution analysis of nanoparticles fabricatedboth ex situ and in situ during the laser-assisted desorption process. The potentials and thelimitations of the method are discussed, with special emphasis on carbonaceous clustersand molecules.