Proton transfer flight mass spectrometry

Proton transfer flight mass spectrometryTR-TOF MS is a soft ionization mass spectrometry technique based on proton transfer reaction, which uses gas-phase hydrated hydrogen ions as reagent ions for direct reading analysis. Due to its high sensitivity and convenient use, it can be widely applied in fields such as environmental research, food and flavor science, biological research, medical research, etc.

Proton transfer flight mass spectrometryworking principle

Based on proton transfer reaction and time-of-flight mass spectrometry technology:

Proton transfer reaction

The instrument uses water vapor or specific organic compounds as proton sources to generate protonated reagent ions (such as H ∝ O ⁺).

The VOCs molecules to be tested undergo proton transfer reaction with protonated reagent ions, generating protonated quasi molecular ions ([VOC · H] ⁺).

Reaction equation: H ∝ O ⁺+VOCs → [VOC · H] ⁺+H ₂ O

Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Analysis

Protonated quasi molecular ions enter a time-of-flight mass analyzer and undergo different flight times after acceleration in an electric field based on their mass to charge ratio (m/z), thereby achieving mass separation.

By detecting the time it takes for ions to reach the detector, the mass to charge ratio of ions can be determined, and then qualitative and quantitative analysis of compounds can be carried out.

Application field

environmental monitoring

Real time monitoring of volatile organic compounds (such as benzene derivatives and aldehydes and ketones) in the atmosphere, with a detection limit of up to 0.1 ppb.

Suitable for online monitoring and navigation monitoring of VOCs in industrial parks, identifying pollution sources, and providing data support for law enforcement agencies.

food safety

Identify the amine substances produced by meat spoilage and determine the freshness of food.

Detecting volatile compounds in food to ensure food safety.

Industrial monitoring

Real time tracking of harmful gas concentrations such as benzene and toluene in industrial sites, with a response speed more than 200 times faster than traditional gas chromatography.

Suitable for VOCs monitoring in environments such as chemical plants and semiconductor production workshops.

research field

Study the release pattern of volatile organic compounds from plants and understand the interaction between plants and the environment.

Used for observing the photochemical processes of VOCs and secondary products in smoke boxes.