Evaluation of a Reduced Pressure Chemical Ion Reactor Utilizing Adduct Ionization for the Detection of Gaseous Organic and Inorganic Species
Riva & Pospisilova et. al.
EGUsphere
DOI: 10.5194/egusphere-2024-945
This recent TOFWERK publication in cooperation with the Université Claude Bernard Lyon (IRCELYON) and the University of Washington provides a detailed characterization of the Vocus Aim Reactor.
Volatile organic and inorganic compounds (VOCs and VICs) are crucial in various scientific fields, including atmospheric and soil chemistry, air quality monitoring, and in industrial settings. Chemical ionization (CI) mass spectrometry, especially with time-of-flight mass spectrometers, is a powerful tool for detecting these compounds, enabling rapid and comprehensive analysis. Recent advances include using multiple CI mass spectrometers with different ionization methods to cover a wide range of compounds. The Vocus Aim Reactor, an ion-molecule reactor, represents a new development in this field. This technology samples trace vapors in air and ionizes them at medium pressures, supporting various reagent ions and is largely unaffected by humidity changes.
The primary goal of this work was to evaluate the performance of the Vocus Aim Reactor, focusing on time response, sensitivity, and selectivity using various reagent ions. The study introduced a dopant-based water vapor suppression system, enhancing data quality and reducing correction needs. The Vocus Aim Reactor demonstrated high detection efficiency for a wide range of volatile organic and inorganic compounds. Optimized reactor geometry and materials have improved time response, even for sticky and reactive compounds. This achievement allowed for sub-ppt detection limits. In addition, the innovative design reduced humidity sensitivity, simplifying measurements and data interpretation, making the Vocus Aim Reactor a versatile platform for analyzing environmental samples. These advancements are vital for accurately tracking atmospheric processes and understanding the formation of reactive and low-volatility organic molecules essential for new particle formation and growth in the atmosphere.
The Vocus Aim Reactor
A reactor for sampling and ionizing trace volatiles containing organic and inorganic compounds with various reagent ions, unaffected by humidity.
