Membrane-Based Pulsed Sampling Method for Extended Dynamic Range of Ion Mobility Spectrometry

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) has been widely studied and applied as an effective analytical technology for the on-site detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Despite its superior selectivity compared with most gas sensors, its limited dynamic range is regarded as a major drawback, limiting its further application in quantitative measurements. In this work, we proposed a novel sample introduction method based on pulsed membrane adsorption, which effectively enhanced IMS’s ability to measure analytes at higher concentrations. Taking N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as an example, this new sampling method expanded the dynamic range from 1 ppm to 200 ppm. The working principle and measurement strategy of this sampling method were also discussed, providing new insights for the design and application of IMS-based instruments.