1. Ultra-high-resolution ion mobility spectrometry-current instrumentation, limitations, and future developments
- Author
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Alexander Bohnhorst, Christian-Robert Raddatz, Stefan Zimmermann, Maria Allers, and Ansgar T. Kirk
- Subjects
Resolution (mass spectrometry) ,Spectrometer ,Ion-mobility spectrometry ,business.industry ,Computer science ,010401 analytical chemistry ,Detector ,02 engineering and technology ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,01 natural sciences ,Biochemistry ,0104 chemical sciences ,Analytical Chemistry ,Ion ,Traveling wave ,Instrumentation (computer programming) ,Current (fluid) ,Aerospace engineering ,0210 nano-technology ,business - Abstract
With recent advances in ionization sources and instrumentation, ion mobility spectrometers (IMS) have transformed from a detector for chemical warfare agents and explosives to a widely used tool in analytical and bioanalytical applications. This increasing measurement task complexity requires higher and higher analytical performance and especially ultra-high resolution. In this review, we will discuss the currently used ion mobility spectrometers able to reach such ultra-high resolution, defined here as a resolving power greater than 200. These instruments are drift tube IMS, traveling wave IMS, trapped IMS, and field asymmetric or differential IMS. The basic operating principles and the resulting effects of experimental parameters on resolving power are explained and compared between the different instruments. This allows understanding the current limitations of resolving power and how ion mobility spectrometers may progress in the future. Graphical abstract.
- Published
- 2018