Determination of organic and inorganic compounds in the femtogram range by laser microprobe mass spectrometry

Summary Mass spectrometry of nonvolatile substances by laser-induced-ionization with the laser microprobe mass analyzer (LAMMA®1000), is applied to analytical chromatographic techniques by means of the electrospray technique. As typically resulting from chromatographic analysis, substance amount in the picogram range (preparation included) and concentration of the substance in the range of 10_–6 to 10_–8 mole·l_–1 is sufficient for mass spectroscopic determination. However, the amount of substance needed to produce each mass spectrum is found to be in the femtogram range.In this certain regime of mass and concentration, the contaminants in the solvent act as marker for the site of trace-investigation, i. e. indicate those sites where the substance is sufficiently available to produce substance specific mass spectra.

---

Bestimmung von Femtogramm organischer und anorganischer Verbindungen mittels LAMMA

Zusammenfassung Die Massenspektrometrie nicht-flüchtiger Substanzen durch Laser-induzierte Ionisation mit dem LAMMA®-1000 wurde mit Hilfe der Elektrospray-technik auf analytisch-chromatographische Verfahren angewendet. Bei der chromatographischen Analyse fallen Substanzmengen im Picogrammbereich in Konzentrationen von 10_–6–10_–8 Mol/l an, die für die massenspektroskopische Bestimmung hinreichend sind. Die für jedes Massenspektrum erforderliche Substanzmenge liegt hingegen im Femtogrammbereich. Bei solchen Massen bzw. Konzentrationen dienen die Verunreinigungen des Lösungsmittels als markierende Träger für die Spurenuntersuchung, d. h. sie weisen auf jene Stellen, an denen die Substanzmenge hinreicht, um spezifische Massenspektren zu erhalten.

     

Fourier transform laser microprobe mass spectrometry for the molecular identification of inorganic compounds

This study attempted to determine the molecular composition of inorganic analytes at the surface of solids by Fourier transform laser microprobe mass spectrometry (FT LMMS) with an external ion source. A database was established from the analysis of pure compounds. FT LMMS uses a similar ionization as the older LMMS instruments with time-of-flight (TOF) mass analyzer. However, apart from the mass resolution, the mass spectral patterns can be significantly different in FT LMMS compared to TOF LMMS. FT LMMS yields detailed information on the analyte by means of structural fragments, enabling us to specify the main building blocks, as well as adduct ions, consisting of the analyte molecule and a stable ion. Hence, deductive reasoning allows tentative characterization of the analogs without reference spectra, except for compounds with the same elements in different stoichiometries. In that case comparative data are needed.     

Characterization of coal fly-ash particles by laser microprobe mass spectrometry

Laser microprobe mass spectrometry (LMMS) was applied to coal fly-ash particles prefractionated to homogeneous composition with respect to particle size and density. For major elements, semiquantitative results (<50% relative standard deviation) were obtained; and the characteristic density dependence found for Si, K, Ca and Fe was in good agreement with that obtained by scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX). The relative sensitivity coefficients, based on concentrations evaluated from the EDX data, coincided with those obtained for the NBS glass particle standard in previous work.     

Sampling and analysis of individual particles by aerosol mass spectrometry

Over the past decade, aerosol mass spectrometry has developed into a powerful method for characterizing individual particles in air. Recent advances in the design of inlets and mass spectrometers have extended the size range of particles that can be analyzed. In this tutorial, fundamental aspects of particle motion in sampling inlets are introduced. Basic experimental configurations for achieving a high analysis rate and the ability of laser ablation to provide chemical composition information are reviewed. An example of the use of this technology to study atmospheric phenomena is also presented. Significant opportunity exists for designing new experiments at the interface of aerosol mass spectrometry and conventional molecular mass spectrometry.     

Identification of inorganic and organic microliths in kidney sections by laser microprobe mass spectrometry

Laser microprobe mass spectrometry is used to identify intrarenal microliths; they appear to consist of either oxalate, urate or phosphate. Crystalline and amorphous deposits in rat and human kidney are pin-pointed by the laser beam and their chemical composition determined by mass spectrometry. The method has the potential for wide application in the identification of single organic, inorganic or combination crystals in histological sections.     

Coupling two-step laser desorption/ionization with aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the analysis of individual organic particles

Analysis of organic compounds in aerosol particles using real-time single particle techniques is difficult because of extensive fragmentation that occurs in the laser desorption/ionization step. In an effort to avoid such fragmentation processes, we coupled a “soft” two-step laser desorption/ionization technique (L2MS) with aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ATOFMS). In these studies, we find this combination preserves intact organic molecules while providing the real-time mass spectra of suspended aerosol particles. Mass spectra of particles analyzed by one-step desorption mass spectrometry and L2MS are presented for comparison. These include 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid as a test case and wood and cigarette combustion particles as real world examples. This is the first published demonstration of L2MS performed on single particles not deposited on a substrate prior to analysis.     

Analysis and classification of individual outdoor aerosol particles with SIMS time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Individual aerosol particles sampled in the north of the city Karlsruhe were analysed with a TOF-SIMS instrument. The results confirmed the integral analysis of many particles [1]. In order to employ a signal pattern analysis of the negative secondary ions for the classification of organic compounds an earlier classification scheme for 5 keV Ar⁺ bombardment was found to be generally also applicable for the TOF-SIMS conditions. Two main classes of particles were distinguished, which consist of submicron mainly organic particles of vehicle traffic provenance on one side and coarse particles of geogenic sources on the other side. Additionally, the geogenic class could be devided into a fraction consisting of lime soil and a fraction with alumo-silicate soil. A quantification of the class population was performed by counting the particles of different type.     

Performance of a nuclear microprobe to study giant marine aerosol particles

The scanning nuclear microprobe analytical facility of the IRMM was used to determine with PIXE major, minor and trace elements in individual giant marine aerosol particles, collected above the North Sea (particle size > 5 m Ø). The instrumentation is briefly described, and the experimental parameters chosen for these analyses are discussed. Elements with atomic numbers Z > 15 could be determined. Detection limits observed under the prevailing experimental conditions reached down to 50 fg in the case of Ti, V or Cr, corresponding to a mass content of 10 g/g in particles of 15 m size. Quantitative evaluation of the acquired spectra revealed basically three aerosol types in these samples: sea salt particles, sea salt combined with high contents of S, K and Ca, and particles rich in heavier elements (Ti, Cr, Fe, Ni). The agglomeration of several large particles forming a giant one could be visualised directly through the heterogeneity found in the elemental maps of such a particle.     

Applications of laser microprobe mass spectrometry in organic analysis

The ability to focus the laser accurately onto the sample with a small beam diameter (2.0–3.0 μm) enables laser mass spectrometry to be used as a microprobe. Results from a fully automated ion-mapping system for laser mass spectrometry are described. These results show that the spatial resolution of the laser microprobe is primarily limited by the diameter of the laser beam. Factors such as laser power density, laser focus, sample preparation, and chemical environment influence the reproducibility of laser mass spectra significantly. Calibration curves obtained in the analysis of mixtures of phenanthrolines demonstrate that laser mass spectrometry can be used to quantify organic components. Preliminary results on the detection of neutral molecules resulting from metastable decomposition in the flight tube are also presented.     

Investigation of semi-thin cryosections of lichens by laser microprobe mass spectrometry

The application of the laser microprobe mass spectrometry to the in-situ characterization of organic aromatic constituents in cryosections of microlichens is described. The samples were photographed before and after microprobe measurement by fluorescence microscopy or transmission electron microscopy to obtain more detailed information on the histological distribution of the compounds examined within the biological structures. This new technology has major advantages for integrated study of the morphology, anatomy and chemistry of plants.     

Comparison of laser microprobe mass spectrometry and fast-atom-bombardment mass spectrometry for organic analysis

Both the techniques mentioned provide molecular weight and structural information, but laser microprobe mass spectrometry (LMMS) also provides greater control over the degree of fragmentation and enhanced sensitivity. In addition, LMMS allows microprobe analysis (i.e., spatial resolution of a few μm²) as well as providing quantitative measurements. The less energetic nature of fast-atom-bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB-MS) makes it more suitable for the analysis of highly labile polar compounds and high-mass biopolymers.     

Microscopical speciation analysis with laser microprobe mass spectrometry and static secondary ion mass spectrometry

This paper presents a set of data which compares the potential and limitations of laser microprobe mass spectrometry (TOF-LMMS and FT-LMMS) and static secondary ion mass spectrometry (S-SIMS) for inorganic speciation at a microscopical level. In general LMMS yields prominent signals of adduct ions consisting of the intact molecule combined with a stable ion, which allows a direct identification of the analyte. S-SIMS also yields abundant diagnostic signals to specify the molecular composition. However, adduct ions are not always present, which means that the identification often relies on fingerprinting. Results further indicate that the potential and the application area of S-SIMS and FT-LMMS are complementary to one another.     

Surface characterization of pure and chemically modified minerals by laser microprobe mass spectrometry

Applications of the laser microprobe mass analyzer for characterizing the surface of chemically modified minerals (crown ether/montmorillonite and organosilane/sepiolite) and for detecting micro-crystallites at the surface of an inorganic matrix (brucite surface layer of chrysotile fibers) were investigated using laser desorption conditions. The laser microprobe is shown to be a versatile tool for these applications.     

Data processing in on-line laser mass spectrometry of inorganic, organic, or biological airborne particles

A general solution for data processing of large numbers of micrometer- or submicrometer-particle mass spectra in aerosol analysis is described. The method is based on immediate evaluation of bipolar laser desorption ionization mass spectra acquired in an on-line (impact-free) time-of-flight instrument. The goal of the procedure is a characterization of the particle population under investigation in terms of chemical composition of particle classes, particle distributions, size distributions, and time courses, rather than an investigation of each individual particle. After automatic peak analysis of each newly acquired bipolar mass spectrum, the mass spectral information is statistically evaluated by a fuzzy clustering algorithm, providing for an immediate attribution of the particle to predefined particle classes. The particle distributions over these classes can be monitored as a function of time and particle size range. Definition of the particle classes as used for on-line evaluation is performed in an earlier step, either by manual approach, or by selection from a particle class database, or, as in most cases, by fuzzy clustering of a set of particle mass spectra from the population (the aerosol) under investigation. Definition of the particle classes is depending only on the distinguishability of the spectra patterns of different particles. It is not necessary for the clustering approach to fully “understand” the mass spectra. The range of possible applications of the method is therefore very broad. Particles dominated by inorganic components, as typically observed in aerosol chemistry for example, can be investigated the same way as organic particles (e.g., from smoke or automobile exhaust) or even biological particles such as bacteria, yeast, or pollen. The data processing method has been successfully applied in several fields of stationary applications and will be employed in mobile instruments for large scale field studies in atmospheric chemistry, engine combustion research, and the characterization of house dust.     

Nuclear methods of analysis applied to quantitation in laser microprobe mass spectrometry

Laser microprobe mass spectrometry (LMMS) detection limits for mercury have been determined using mercury-doped Spurr's tissue embedding medium. Actual mercury concentrations were confirmed via INAA. Procedures have also been developed to measure lithium and indium concentrations in thin films of polymerized Spurr's samples via PIGE and PIXE. These elements are currently being investigated as laser power density internal standards in the analysis of human tissue for studies of trace element involvement in neurological diseases.     

Structural characterization of organic molecules by negative ions in laser microprobe mass spectrometry. Part 1—Neutral compounds

Laser microprobe mass spectrometry (LMMS) has been used to systematically study polyfunctional molecules, covering a wide range of structure and polarity. The knowledge about the mechanisms actually involved for desorption and ionization (DI) of organics by laser microbeam irradiation of solid samples at high-power density is rather limited. Therefore we have elaborated a set of tentative hypotheses about DI in LMMS, permitting consistent rationalization of detected signals. The technique apparently combines desorption under mild conditions, shown by the release of intact thermolabiles, with extensive fragmentation. Structural data are typically distributed between cations and anions. Interpretation of negative-ion detection mode mass spectra often represents intricate problems, partly due to the lack of sustaining background information from conventional mass spectrometry. Selected examples are presented to illustrate the occurrence of electron capture ionization, the role of heteroatoms in the formation of negative ions and the tendency to undergo complex skeletal rearrangements. Although LMMS was originally aimed at microprobe applications, it has been found to be a valuable tool in organic mass spectrometry.     

Speciation of chromium,lead and nickel compounds by laser microprobe mass spectrometry and application to environmental and biological samples

Laser microprobe mass spectrometry with time-of-flight analyser is evaluated as a tool to perform speciation of chromium, nickel and lead compounds in solids with a lateral resolution in the μm range. Commercial instruments irradiate the sample at 266 nm while a tunable dye laser is fitted to some experimental set-ups. The analytical merits of both approaches are surveyed and their application to selected test cases in the field of environment and biological tissue analysis at the sub-cellular level is presented. A comparison between TOF LMMS and μ-Raman for the speciation of given components in large industrial airbone particles is discussed.     

Quantitation of quaternary ammonium compounds using electrospray mass spectrometry

A sensitive and specific electrospray mass spectroscopic assay has been developed for the quantitation of the series of quaternary ammonium surfactant compounds dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide, tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, and octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide and neostigmine bromide. Standard solutions were prepared in methanol, with an appropriate quaternary ammonium internal standard used in each case, and injected into a carrier solvent comprising acetonitrile (99%) and methanol (1%). Detection was based upon the positively charged quaternary ammonium ion in each case. Using this new technique, significant increases in sensitivity have been obtained over more traditional gas chromatographic–mass spectroscopic analytical techniques. All of the compounds tested were readily quantifiable at solution concentrations of 50 ppb, with linear correlations (r²>0.995) obtained over the range 50–300 ppb for the alkyltrimethylammonium bromides, and 50–200 ppb for neostigmine bromide. It is envisaged that, using this method, adsorption isotherms for these compounds on highly adsorbing activated carbons should be readily acquired.     

Very high-mass ions derived from carbonaceous samples in laser microprobe mass spectrometry

An extended series of positive ions occurring at regular intervals of 24 D is observed in the laser-induced ionization mass spectra of several solid carbonaceous materials. These ions occur with masses up to 3000 D, and can exceed the mass of the parent compound. This effect was found with some polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, coal and soots.     

Laser microprobe mass spectrometry: potential and limitations for inorganic and organic micro-analysis

Summary Laser microprobe mass spectrometry (LMMS) employs a highly focused UV laser beam to ionise a microvolume in the order of 1 m³. The ions produced are then mass-separated in a time-of-flight (TOF) or a Fourier Transform (FT) mass spectrometer. TOF LMMS allows element localisation, detailed speciation of inorganic substances and structural information of organic molecules. Quantitation is difficult. This paper focuses on instrumental aspects and inorganic analysis. Organic applications are treated in part II of this series. Selected examples illustrate that TOF LMMS is a valuable tool for the qualitative characterisation of micro-samples. Also, the applicability to the analysis with high spatial resolution is shown. The current technology and the prospects from the recent FTMS development are discussed.