Performance of an electrospray-interfaced thermospray ion source in hyphenated techniques

Abstract

The performance of a custom-made electrospray interface coupled with a thermospray ions source is described using tetraalkylammonium salts and lysozyme as test compounds. Optimal conditions are created by using a heated sampling capillary, increasing the pumping capacity in the ion source and by changing the shape of the repeller to conical. Under these conditions the performance of the interface, with respect to sensitivity, is comparable with previously described systems using low flow-rates. However, due to the use of a heated sampling capillary flow-rates up to 100 μl/min can be used. Examples of coupling electrospray with capillary electrophoresis and micro-LC in negative ionization mode are given. As test compounds inositol phosphate and acyl-coenzyme A compounds are used.