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The ecTOF simultaneously analyzes samples with electron and chemical ionization MS detection - all in one instrument
A concept mass spectrometer for GC-MS and real-time analysis. Various combined modes of EI and CI operation enable multidimensional analysis for target, suspect, and non-targeted applications.
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Overview
Method
Specifications
Publications
Resources
Overview
Advantages of the ecTOF
- Molecular (CI) and structural (EI) information are simultaneously collected with one mass spectrometer
- GC pre-separation or direct, real-time analysis
- Mix-and-match sampling and ionization methods for different modes of operation
GC separation with parallel CI-MS and EI-MS detection
Conventional GC-EI-MS with simultaneous real-time CI-MS
- Target specific compound classes with choice of chemical ionization schemes
- Single data processing workflow to interpret and align EI and CI data sets
Method
ecTOF – Two Ion Sources, One Mass Analyzer
The ecTOF includes an electron ionization (EI) source, a chemical ionization (CI) source, and a TOF mass analyzer. Advanced ion optics enable ultra-fast modulation of EI and CI ion streams into the TOF. Modulation is synchronized with data acquisition to generate unique EI and CI data sets.
GC Separation or Direct Sampling
ecTOF users determine what is sampled by the inlet of each ion source. For GC analysis, effluents can be ionized by EI only or simultaneously by EI and CI. When not used for GC detection, the CI source can directly measure samples by real-time CI-MS.
Specifications
ecTOF Specifications
Mass Resolving Power (Th/Th) | Mass Range (Th) | Relative Mass Accuracy (ppm) | LOD CI* (fg benzophenone) | LOD EI* (fg OFN) | Linear Dynamic Range | Ion Source Switching Speed (Hz) | EI Energy (eV) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10000 (2R) 4500 (R) | 1-5000 | < 5 | < 500 | < 10 | > 4.5 orders of magnitude | up to 100 | adjustable up to 70 |
*non-switching mode
- Fully compatible with Vocus CI-TOF PTR and Aim reactors
- Couple to common GC Systems with ease
- Maintain HRP CI source without venting
- Reagent ions for GC-CI-MS with HRP Source: N2H+ (N2), C4H9+, H3O+, NH4+, C2H5OH2+
- Reagent ions for real-time CI-MS with Vocus PTR and Aim Reactor: H3O+, NH4+, NO+, O2+, I–, Br–
Publications
ecTOF Publications
2023
- Bräkling et al. Gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry using parallel electron and chemical ionization with permeation tube facilitated reagent ion control for material emission analysis. Rapid. comun. Mass Spectrom, 2023. In Focus | DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9461
2022
- Klee, S.; Bräkling, S.; Vetter M.; Bieber, S.; Letzel, T. Non-Target Screening Approach Using GC-ecTOFMS for the Verification of Allergenic Ingredients and Perfume Authenticity. LCGC Current Trends in Mass Spectrometry, 2022. In Focus
- Bräkling et al. Parallel Operation of Electron Ionization and Chemical Ionization for GC−MS Using a Single TOF Mass Analyzer. J.Anal. Chem, 2022. In Focus | DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c00933
- Bräkling, S.; Klee, K.; Benter, T.; Kersten, H. Hydrogen Plasma-Based Medium Pressure Chemical Ionization Source for GC-TOFMS. J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrometry, 2022. In Focus | DOI: 10.1021/jasms.1c00329
Resources
Application Notes
- Metabolomic Investigation of Endogenous Biomarkers Using the ecTOF PDF
- Flavor Profiling with the ecTOF – Volatilomic Comparison of Vegan and Non-Vegan Cheeses PDF
- Non-Target Screening of Battery Aging Products Using the ecTOF PDF
- Simultaneous Real-Time CI-MS and GC-EI-MS Analysis using the ecTOF PDF
TOFWERK Publications
- Improved Compound Identification for Material Emission Characterization Using the ecTOF
- Benefits and Potential for GC–MS-based NTS Analysis Using the ecTOF
- ecTOF Provides Robust GC-MS Analysis Using Parallel Electron Ionization and Chemical Ionization
- Chemical Ionization Source for ecTOF Described in the Journal of the American Society of Mass Spectrometry
Webinars
White Papers
- Principle of Operation – Simultaneous Electron Ionization & Chemical Ionization with the ecTOF for GC-MS PDF
Product Information
ecTOF Modes of Operation
The combination of ion sources and sampling methods yields multiple modes of operation. All modes generate molecular information by CI and structural information by EI.
GC Separation with CI-MS and EI-MS
The ecTOF splits the GC effluent into two equal parts for introduction into the electron ionization (EI) and the chemical ionization (CI) chambers. The instrument rapidly switches between the ion beams, yielding structural and molecular information with a single GC run.
TOFWERK’s proprietary Helical Resonator Plasma (HRP) CI source offers unmatched sensitivity for GC and preservation of chromatographic performance for the whole GC spectrum. The HRP replaces classic filaments with a medium-pressure plasma power supply, yielding long ionization source lifetimes and stability. Available reagent ions include: N2H+, H3O+, C4H9+, [H(H2O)n]+, NH4+.
GC-EI-MS with Simultaneous
Real-Time CI-MS
Real-time chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CI-MS) directly samples air and continuously measures its changing composition with ultra-high sensitivity. In this mode of operation, the GC effluent is analyzed by EI, while a separate inlet continuously introduces sample into the CI chamber. The resulting data contains structural information from the GC and time-varying information from CI.
Note that the CI source can instead analyze a second, different sample (i.e. parallel analysis of two different samples).
The ecTOF is fully compatible with the Vocus CI-TOF PTR and Aim reactors, offering a wide range of reagent ion options. For more information see Vocus CI-TOF product page
ecTOF Partners
