Because of the importance of obtaining detailed information from trace levels of compounds, mass spectrometry has risen to the forefront of analytical chemistry. In most mass spectrometers, the performance characteristics including high sensitivity and resolution are accomplished using mechanically-shaped metallic electrodes that generate the electric fields used for analysis. The focus of this research is the construction of a reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer system (re-TOFMS), that uses a chemically developed semi-conductive electrode as a multi-potential ion guide (MPIG), instead of a traditional mechanical electrode. Semi-conductive electrode consists of a non-conductive monofilament coated with resistive polymer mixture. Ability to generate multiple potentials across such electrode is achieved through variation of either thickness of paint application or composition of the resistive polymer mixture. Due to chemical nature of the electrode, it has a capability to generate complex electric fields making it suitable to serve as an ion trap region or as a reflectron region in the TOFMS system. Moreover, chemically developed electrode leads to a great reduction in cost compared to the mechanical model, as well as, a potential for development of a microscale handheld analyzers with extreme sensitivity.

Design of the time-of-flight mass spectrometer using chemically developed semi-conductive electrode as a multi-potential ion guide

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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