Development of a multipurpose ion source for LC-MS and GC-API MS

Over the past decade, multimode ion sources operating at atmospheric pressure (i.e., more than one ionization method is operative in the ion source enclosure) have received considerable interest. Simultaneous operation of different ionization methods targeting different compound classes within one analysis run has several advantages, including enhanced sample throughput and thus significant laboratory cost reductions. Potential drawbacks are enhanced ion suppression and other undesirable effects of the simultaneous operation of ionization methods. In this contribution we present an alternative approach-the development and characterization of a widely applicable, multipurpose ion source operating at atmospheric pressure. The optimized source geometry allows rapid changing from LC-API methods (ESI, APCI, APLI) to GC-API methods (APCI, APLI, DA-APLI) along with the appropriate coupling of chromatographic equipment required. In addition, true multimode operation of the source is demonstrated for LC-ESI/APLI and LC-APCI/APLI.