Micro-tapered aperture nebulization ionization for versatile mass spectrometry analysis

Abstract

The bloom of new ionization sources is promoting the prosperity and application of mass spectrometry analysis. In this study, we introduced a new (high) voltage-free ionization method termed micro-tapered aperture nebulization ionization (MANI), which only requires the use of a common micro-tapered aperture atomizer to operate. It is found that liquid nebulization on this type of atomizer can induce ionization of the dissolved analytes in the droplets without the assistance of additional voltage and gas. By assembling the commercially available atomizer module into a 3D-printed chamber, a compact MANI source was constructed and then characterized. This source has a high ion yield and satisfactory quantitative performance, and it is preferably used to analyze aqueous solutions. Furthermore, it exhibits broad applicability and can be easily extended to multiple applications, including liquid extraction surface analysis of solid samples and direct analysis of gaseous analytes via secondary spray ionization. In short, the MANI source is a simple, safe, green, and versatile tool that can assist mass spectrometers to perform routine and diverse analysis.