Ultraviolet light assisted electrospray device and method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a UV-assisted electrospray device and method, comprising: an ionization chamber, the interior of which has an ionization space; an electrospray, the electrospray having an inlet for introducing an external sample and an atomizing part for atomizing the external sample, the atomizing part separating solvent droplets in the sample solvent; an ion source, the ion source separating sample ions in the atomized sample; an ultraviolet light source, the ultraviolet light source providing ultraviolet light to the atomized sample; an ion analysis part, the ion analysis part having a receiving unit for receiving sample ions and an analysis unit for analyzing sample ions. The above structure uses UV-assisted irradiation to greatly improve the ionization efficiency, enhance the detection capability of low-abundance samples, especially for difficult-to-ionize substances such as sugars and vitamin K, has good solvent compatibility, can be applied to a variety of solution systems, and can work under normal pressure, convenient for use with existing mass spectrometers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of electrospraying, and in particular to an ultraviolet light-assisted electrospraying device and method. Background Art

[0002] Traditional electrospray ionization sources have high sensitivity and selectivity in analyzing biomacromolecules, but their ionization efficiency is still low for important biochemical molecular markers such as carbohydrates and vitamin K, which affects the accuracy and quantification of the analysis.

[0003] In order to improve the analytical sensitivity of difficult-to-ionize substances such as sugars and vitamin K, it is necessary to develop a new type of electrospray ionization source, which should have the following characteristics:

[0004] 1) It can significantly improve the ionization efficiency, especially for difficult-to-ionize substances such as sugars and vitamin K;

[0005] 2) It has good solvent compatibility and can be applied to a variety of solution systems;

[0006] 3) Able to work under normal pressure, convenient for use with existing mass spectrometry instruments.

[0007] To this end, we provide a UV-assisted electrospray device and method to solve the above problems. The UV-assisted electrospray device can be widely used in biomass spectrometry analysis, drug analysis, environmental analysis, food analysis and other fields, and has broad application prospects. Summary of the invention

[0008] In response to the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art, the present invention provides a UV-assisted electrospray device and method, which adopts UV-assisted irradiation to greatly improve the ionization efficiency, especially for difficult-to-ionize substances such as sugars and vitamin K. It has good solvent compatibility, can be applied to a variety of solution systems, and can work under normal pressure, which is convenient for use with existing mass spectrometry instruments.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts an ultraviolet light-assisted electrospray device, comprising:

[0010] An ionization chamber having an ionization space therein;

[0011] An electrospray, the electrospray having an inlet for introducing an external sample and an atomizing portion for atomizing the external sample, the atomizing portion separating solvent droplets in a sample solvent;

[0012] An ion source that separates sample ions from the nebulized sample

[0013] An ultraviolet light source, which provides ultraviolet light to the atomized sample;

[0014] The ion analysis unit includes a receiving unit for receiving sample ions and an analyzing unit for analyzing the sample ions.

[0015] The above structure uses ultraviolet light-assisted irradiation to greatly improve the ionization efficiency and enhance the detection ability of low-abundance samples, especially for difficult-to-ionize substances such as sugars and vitamin K. It has good solvent compatibility and can be applied to a variety of solution systems. It can also work under normal pressure, making it convenient to be used with existing mass spectrometry instruments.

[0016] As a further optimization of the above scheme, the ion source includes two modes: ESI and APCI. The appropriate ionization mode can be selected according to the characteristics of the sample, and the application range is wider.

[0017] As a further optimization of the above scheme, the ion source and the receiving unit are located in the same horizontal plane and are orthogonal to each other. By adopting a 90° deflection ion path, the entry of solvent droplets into the ion analysis unit is minimized, ion source contamination is reduced, and ion transmission efficiency is improved.

[0018] As a further optimization of the above scheme, the receiving unit is provided with a backblowing gas section and a sampling cone in sequence along the sample ion entry path. The backblowing gas section provides an air blowing source from the inside to the outside, a backblowing gas path for gas to pass through, and an air outlet. The air blowing source provides airflow, the backblowing gas path allows airflow to pass through and is connected to the air blowing source and the air outlet. The air outlet overlaps with the sample ion inlet so that the airflow can blow out the solvent droplets entering the sample ion inlet. By setting an independently temperature-controlled backblowing gas section, the airflow is used to blow out the solvent droplets entering the sample ion inlet, thereby improving the desolvation effect of the receiving unit.

[0019] As a further optimization of the above solution, the bottom of the ionization chamber is equipped with an exhaust port and a micro-air pressure is arranged at the exhaust port. By configuring the bottom of the ionization chamber to be in a state of micro-negative pressure and using it in combination with the exhaust port, the effect of automatic discharge of solvent droplets can be achieved.

[0020] As a further optimization of the above scheme, the atomization part includes a shell, a sample tube and an atomizing gas passage. The shell is orthogonal to the receiving unit on a vertical plane. A sample tube is connected at the center of the shell and the inlet is located at the top of the sample tube. The bottom of the sample tube diffuses and sprays the sample. An atomizing gas passage that allows the atomizing gas to pass through and be discharged is formed between the sample tube and the inner wall of the shell. The atomizing gas passage is coaxially arranged with the above-mentioned sample tube so that the atomizing gas passing through the atomizing gas passage contacts the sample solution passing through the sample tube and atomizes the sample solution. By adopting orthogonal vertical spray and carrying coaxial atomizing gas, the focusing of the injection fluid is ensured, and the pollution caused by direct injection is avoided.

[0021] As a further optimization of the above scheme, desolvation gas injection parts are arranged on both sides of the electrospray and the desolvation gas injection parts are arranged toward the atomized sample solution. The two desolvation gas injection parts are arranged orthogonally on the vertical plane to form a V-shaped heating desolvation gas structure. The temperature can reach up to 700°C, which can efficiently remove the solvent and avoid thermal cracking of the incoming sample by direct heating in the source.

[0022] As a further optimization of the above scheme, the inner cavity of the sample tube is provided with a first channel coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the inlet and a second channel coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the first channel in sequence along the sample input path. The first channel is straight and has a diameter the same as the diameter of the insertion end of the inlet. The outlet diameter expands along the sample flow direction. The inner wall of the first channel protrudes inward and forms an embedded portion that is embedded in the first channel to shorten the diameter of the first channel. The embedded portion is hollow inside and forms a connection path connected to the atomizing gas passage to introduce the atomizing gas in the atomizing gas passage into the first channel. Through the inward extrusion of the embedded portion, the first channel is formed into a convergence part and a straight tube part, and the inlet and the second channel are matched to form a venturi tube structure. The venturi tube structure can reduce the resistance of fluid flow, reduce blockage, and has a smooth pressure difference characteristic, reduce the turbulence of the second channel, and have little impact on the sample tube. At the same time, the atomizing gas is introduced into the convergence part and blends with the sample solution to achieve the initial atomization of the sample solution. At the same time, the pressurization effect of the convergence part enhances the flow rate of the initial atomized sample and improves the fluid movement effect.

[0023] A UV-light-assisted electrospray method adopts a UV-light-assisted electrospray device described in any one of the above schemes.

[0024] The ultraviolet light-assisted electrospray device and method of the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0025] 1. High sensitivity: UV irradiation can greatly improve ionization efficiency and enhance the detection ability of low-abundance samples.

[0026] 2. Wide range of applications: It can be used to analyze various biological macromolecules, small molecule compounds and inorganic substances.

[0027] 3. Good solvent compatibility: Two ionization modes, ESI and APCI, are used, and the appropriate ionization mode can be selected according to the sample characteristics.

[0028] 4. High desolvation efficiency: Backblowing gas and desolvation gas injection are used to effectively remove solvent droplets and improve ionization efficiency.

[0029] 5. Compact structure: The electrospray, ion source, receiving unit and ion analysis unit are reasonably arranged, compact and easy to operate.

[0030] With reference to the following description and drawings, a specific embodiment of the present invention is disclosed in detail, indicating the manner in which the principle of the present invention can be adopted. It should be understood that the scope of the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereby, and the embodiment of the present invention includes many changes, modifications and equivalents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultraviolet light-assisted electrospray device;

[0032] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ultraviolet light source in the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the desolvation gas injection part in the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the sample tube in the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the embedding part in the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of the first channel in the present invention;

[0037] Figure 7 It is a structural schematic diagram of the baffle structure in the present invention;

[0038] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the atomizing gas passage in the present invention.

[0039] In the figure: 1. ionization chamber; 11. exhaust port; 2. electrospray; 21. shell; 22. sample tube; 221. first channel; 222. second channel; 223. embedded part; 224. connecting path; 225. baffle structure; 23. atomizing gas passage; 3. ion source; 4. ultraviolet light source; 5. ion analysis part; 51. receiving unit; 511. backblowing gas part; 512. sampling cone; 52. analysis unit; 6. desolvation gas injection part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention more clear, the present invention is further described in detail below through the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0041] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "disposed on, provided with" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may also be a central element. When an element is considered to be "connected, connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be a central element at the same time. "Fixed connection" means a fixed connection. There are many ways of fixed connection, which are not within the scope of protection of this article. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this article are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation method.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The terms used in the specification are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0043] Please refer to the instruction manual Figure 1-7 The present invention provides a first embodiment of an ultraviolet-assisted electrospray device, comprising the following components:

[0044] An ionization chamber 1, wherein the ionization chamber 1 has an ionization space therein;

[0045] An electrospray 2, the electrospray 2 having an inlet for introducing an external sample and an atomizing part for atomizing the external sample, the atomizing part separating solvent droplets in the sample solvent;

[0046] An ion source 3, which separates sample ions in the atomized sample. It should be noted that the ionization high voltage of the ion source 3 is adjustable, up to 6 kV, and is designed for ionization of various compounds;

[0047] An ultraviolet light source 4, which provides ultraviolet light to the atomized sample;

[0048] An ion analysis unit 5, the ion analysis unit 5 having a receiving unit 51 for receiving sample ions and an analyzing unit 52 for analyzing the sample ions;

[0049] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the ion source 3 and the receiving unit 51 are located on the same horizontal plane.

[0050] The ion source 3 has two structures in this embodiment, as follows:

[0051] 1. ESI ion source

[0052] When working, perform the following steps:

[0053] 1) The sample fraction passes through the sample tube 22 and carries an electric charge under the action of high voltage at the outlet of the sample tube 22;

[0054] 2) The moment it flows out of the sample tube 22, it is atomized under the action of the atomizing gas N2;

[0055] 3) The charged droplets move rapidly under the action of the electric field, accompanied by the rapid evaporation of the solvent under atmospheric pressure, the droplet volume shrinks, and the ions move to the droplet surface, increasing the electric field strength;

[0056] 4) When the critical electric field is reached, the electric field repulsion force on the droplet surface is greater than the surface tension maintaining the droplet, and a Coulomb explosion occurs. This process is repeated, and eventually the sample ions are resolved and introduced into the ion analysis unit 5 under the action of the electric field.

[0057] It should be noted that the analysis unit 52 of the ion analysis unit 5 in this embodiment is a mass spectrometer detector.

[0058] 2. APCI ion source

[0059] 1) Spray, continuous liquid becomes small droplets;

[0060] 2) The small droplets pass through the direct heating tube and vaporize into gaseous neutral molecules;

[0061] 3) The discharge needle discharges at high voltage, turning the solvent molecules (in large quantities) into charged ions;

[0062] 4) A large number of charged solvent molecules transfer charges to compound molecules through chemical reactions.

[0063] In terms of structure, we use a composite source of APCI and ESI, which is specifically embodied in a replaceable ion source probe. The ion source probe has a corona needle rod, and the switching of the ion source 3 is achieved by rotating the corona needle. Specifically, when installing the APCI source Probe, the corona needle is facing inward, and when replacing the ESI source Probe, it is facing outward.

[0064] The above structure uses ultraviolet light-assisted irradiation to greatly improve the ionization efficiency and enhance the detection ability of low-abundance samples, especially for difficult-to-ionize substances such as sugars and vitamin K. It has good solvent compatibility and can be applied to a variety of solution systems. It can work under normal pressure and is convenient for use with existing mass spectrometers. The ion source 3 uses ESI and APCI modes. The appropriate ionization method can be selected according to the characteristics of the sample, and the application range is wider.

[0065] Taking into account the problem of contamination of the ion source 3, the ion source 3 and the receiving unit 51 are located in the same horizontal plane and are orthogonal. Of course, the position of the ion source 3 can be adjusted in a two-dimensional horizontal plane to facilitate adjustment to the optimal position, adapting to an injection flow rate of 5uL / min~2mL / min, and suitable for various applications. The preferred angle is 90°. By adopting a 90° deflection ion path, the solvent droplets entering the ion analysis unit 5 are minimized, the contamination of the ion source 3 is reduced, and the ion transmission efficiency is improved.

[0066] Furthermore, the receiving unit 51 is provided with a backblowing gas section 511 and a sampling cone 512 in sequence along the sample ion entry path. The backblowing gas section 511 provides an air blowing source from the inside to the outside, a backblowing gas path for gas to pass through, and an air outlet. The air blowing source provides airflow, the backblowing gas path allows airflow to pass through and is connected to the air blowing source from the air outlet. The air outlet overlaps with the sample ion inlet so that the airflow can blow out the solvent droplets entering the sample ion inlet. By setting up an independently temperature-controlled backblowing gas section 511, the airflow is used to blow out the solvent droplets entering the sample ion inlet, thereby improving the desolvation effect of the receiving unit 51.

[0067] Furthermore, the bottom of the ionization chamber 1 is equipped with an exhaust port 11 and a micro-air pressure is arranged at the exhaust port 11. By configuring the bottom of the ionization chamber 1 to be in a state of micro-negative pressure and using it in conjunction with the exhaust port 11, the effect of automatic discharge of solvent droplets is achieved.

[0068] Specifically, in the actual working process, the sample spray guided by the electrospray 2, wherein the solvent droplets enter the bottom exhaust port 11 under the action of negative pressure and are discharged, so as to achieve the effect of automatic discharge of the solvent droplets.

[0069] Please refer to the instruction manual Figure 1-8 The present invention provides a second embodiment of a UV-assisted electrospray device, comprising the following components:

[0070] An ionization chamber 1, wherein the ionization chamber 1 has an ionization space therein;

[0071] An electrospray 2, the electrospray 2 having an inlet for introducing an external sample and an atomizing part for atomizing the external sample, the atomizing part separating solvent droplets in the sample solvent;

[0072] An ion source 3, which separates sample ions in the atomized sample;

[0073] An ultraviolet light source 4, which provides ultraviolet light to the atomized sample;

[0074] An ion analysis unit 5, the ion analysis unit 5 having a receiving unit 51 for receiving sample ions and an analyzing unit 52 for analyzing the sample ions;

[0075] In the aspect of electrospray 2, the prior art, such as the open spray field analytical ionization method and ionization device with patent number 200710303649.0, generally has a structure in which the spray liquid passes through the sample to form the sample spray. On the one hand, the unnecessary spray liquid is not easy to separate in this way, and on the other hand, the sample content is difficult to control. In view of this, in this embodiment, we focus on improving the structure of electrospray 2.

[0076] The specific improvements are as follows:

[0077] The atomization part includes a shell 21, a sample tube 22 and an atomizing gas passage 23. The shell 21 is orthogonal to the receiving unit 51 on a vertical plane to achieve orthogonal vertical spraying and reduce direct injection pollution. The sample tube 22 is connected to the center of the shell 21 and the inlet is located at the top of the sample tube 22. The bottom of the sample tube 22 diffuses and sprays the sample. An atomizing gas passage 23 is formed between the sample tube 22 and the inner wall of the shell 21 to allow the atomizing gas to pass through and be guided out. The atomizing gas passage 23 is coaxially arranged with the sample tube 22 so that the atomizing gas passing through the atomizing gas passage 23 contacts the sample solution passing through the sample tube 22 and atomizes the sample solution. By adopting orthogonal vertical spraying and carrying coaxial atomizing gas, the focusing of the injection fluid is ensured and the pollution caused by direct injection is avoided.

[0078] Furthermore, a desolvation gas injection section 6 is arranged on both sides of the electrospray 2 and the desolvation gas injection section 6 is arranged toward the atomized sample solution. The two desolvation gas injection sections 6 are arranged orthogonally on a vertical plane to form a V-shaped heating desolvation gas structure. The temperature can reach up to 700°C, which can efficiently remove the solvent and avoid direct heating of the incoming sample to cause thermal cracking in the source.

[0079] Specifically, the technical features of the second embodiment are as follows:

[0080] 1. Orthogonal vertical spray: The electrospray 2 is arranged orthogonally and vertically with the receiving unit 51 to reduce direct spray pollution;

[0081] 2. Coaxial atomizing gas structure: the atomizing gas and the sample solution are coaxially sprayed, the fluid is focused, and the atomization efficiency is improved;

[0082] 3. V-shaped heating to desolvate: V-shaped heating structure, the desolvate temperature can reach up to 700℃.

[0083] Please refer to the instruction manual Figure 1-7 The present invention provides a third embodiment of an ultraviolet-assisted electrospray device, comprising the following components:

[0084] An ionization chamber 1, wherein the ionization chamber 1 has an ionization space therein;

[0085] An electrospray 2, the electrospray 2 having an inlet for introducing an external sample and an atomizing part for atomizing the external sample, the atomizing part separating solvent droplets in the sample solvent;

[0086] An ion source 3, which separates sample ions in the atomized sample;

[0087] An ultraviolet light source 4, which provides ultraviolet light to the atomized sample;

[0088] An ion analysis unit 5, the ion analysis unit 5 having a receiving unit 51 for receiving sample ions and an analyzing unit 52 for analyzing the sample ions;

[0089] The atomization part includes a shell 21, a sample tube 22 and an atomizing gas passage 23. The shell 21 is orthogonal to the receiving unit 51 on a vertical plane to achieve orthogonal vertical spraying and reduce direct injection pollution. The sample tube 22 is connected to the center of the shell 21 and the inlet is located at the top of the sample tube 22. The bottom of the sample tube 22 diffuses and sprays the sample. An atomizing gas passage 23 is formed between the sample tube 22 and the inner wall of the shell 21 to allow the atomizing gas to pass through and be guided out. The atomizing gas passage 23 is coaxially arranged with the sample tube 22 so that the atomizing gas passing through the atomizing gas passage 23 contacts the sample solution passing through the sample tube 22 and atomizes the sample solution. By adopting orthogonal vertical spraying and carrying coaxial atomizing gas, the focusing of the injection fluid is ensured and the pollution caused by direct injection is avoided.

[0090] In order to further enhance the atomization effect of the sample, we improved the original sample tube 22 structure, and the specific improvements are as follows:

[0091] The inner cavity of the sample tube 22 is provided with a first channel 221 coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the inlet and a second channel 222 coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the first channel 221 in sequence along the sample input path. The first channel 221 is straight and has a diameter the same as the diameter of the insertion end of the inlet, and the outlet diameter expands along the sample flow direction. The inner wall of the first channel 221 protrudes inward and forms an embedded portion 223 embedded in the first channel 221 to shorten the diameter of the first channel 221. The embedded portion 223 is hollow inside and forms a connection path connected to the atomizing gas passage 23 to introduce the atomizing gas in the atomizing gas passage 23 into the first channel 221. Through the inward extrusion of the embedded portion 223, the first channel 221 is formed into a convergent portion and a straight tube portion, and the inlet and the second channel 222 are matched to form a venturi tube structure. The venturi tube structure can reduce fluid flow resistance, reduce blockage, and has a smooth pressure difference characteristic, reduces the turbulence of the second channel 222, and has little impact on the sample tube 22. At the same time, according to the Venturi effect, due to the reduction in cross-sectional area, when the fluid is in the convergent part, its speed increases. At this time, the atmospheric pressure is higher than the internal pressure of the straight tube part. Therefore, the external atomizing gas is inhaled through the air channel formed by the embedded part 223. This suction effect can further increase the flow rate of the liquid, and while achieving the blending with the sample solution, that is, the initial atomization of the sample solution, the pressurization effect of the convergent part enhances the flow rate of the initial atomized sample and improves the fluid movement effect.

[0092] Please refer to the instruction manual Figure 1-8 The present invention provides a fourth embodiment of an ultraviolet-assisted electrospray device, comprising the following components:

[0093] An ionization chamber 1, wherein the ionization chamber 1 has an ionization space therein;

[0094] An electrospray 2, the electrospray 2 having an inlet for introducing an external sample and an atomizing part for atomizing the external sample, the atomizing part separating solvent droplets in the sample solvent;

[0095] An ion source 3, which separates sample ions in the atomized sample;

[0096] An ultraviolet light source 4, which provides ultraviolet light to the atomized sample;

[0097] An ion analysis unit 5, the ion analysis unit 5 having a receiving unit 51 for receiving sample ions and an analyzing unit 52 for analyzing the sample ions;

[0098] The atomization part includes a shell 21, a sample tube 22 and an atomizing gas passage 23. The shell 21 is orthogonal to the receiving unit 51 on a vertical plane to achieve orthogonal vertical spraying and reduce direct injection pollution. The sample tube 22 is connected to the center of the shell 21 and the inlet is located at the top of the sample tube 22. The bottom of the sample tube 22 diffuses and sprays the sample. An atomizing gas passage 23 is formed between the sample tube 22 and the inner wall of the shell 21 to allow the atomizing gas to pass through and be guided out. The atomizing gas passage 23 is coaxially arranged with the sample tube 22 so that the atomizing gas passing through the atomizing gas passage 23 contacts the sample solution passing through the sample tube 22 and atomizes the sample solution. By adopting orthogonal vertical spraying and carrying coaxial atomizing gas, the focusing of the injection fluid is ensured and the pollution caused by direct injection is avoided.

[0099] In order to further enhance the atomization effect of the sample, we improved the original sample tube 22 structure, and the specific improvements are as follows:

[0100] The inner cavity of the sample tube 22 is provided with a first channel 221 coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the inlet and a second channel 222 coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the first channel 221 in sequence along the sample input path. The first channel 221 is straight and has a diameter the same as the diameter of the insertion end of the inlet, and the outlet diameter expands along the sample flow direction. The inner wall of the first channel 221 protrudes inward and forms an embedded portion 223 embedded in the first channel 221 to shorten the diameter of the first channel 221. The embedded portion 223 is hollow inside and forms a connection path connected to the atomizing gas passage 23 to introduce the atomizing gas in the atomizing gas passage 23 into the first channel 221. Through the inward extrusion of the embedded portion 223, the first channel 221 is formed into a convergent portion and a straight tube portion, and the inlet and the second channel 222 are matched to form a venturi tube structure. The venturi tube structure can reduce fluid flow resistance, reduce blockage, and has a smooth pressure difference characteristic, reduces the turbulence of the second channel 222, and has little impact on the sample tube 22. At the same time, according to the Venturi effect, due to the reduction in cross-sectional area, when the fluid is in the convergent part, its speed increases. At this time, the atmospheric pressure is higher than the internal pressure of the straight tube part. Therefore, the external atomizing gas is inhaled through the air channel formed by the embedded part 223. This suction effect can further increase the flow rate of the liquid, and while achieving the blending with the sample solution, that is, the initial atomization of the sample solution, the pressurization effect of the convergent part enhances the flow rate of the initial atomized sample and improves the fluid movement effect.

[0101] In some examples, we also make further improvements to the above-mentioned embedded part 223, and install a baffle structure 225 on the outside of the embedded part 223 to extend the movement path of the atomized gas entering the convergence part of the first channel 221. For example, through the baffle structure 225, the above-mentioned atomized gas communication path 224 is changed into an S-shaped structure, forcing the atomized gas to enter the first channel 221 along a circuitous route, which helps the atomized gas to collide more with the channel wall on the path, thereby increasing the flow resistance of the airflow. According to the Bernoulli equation, an increase in the flow resistance of the airflow will lead to an increase in the airflow pressure, so as to further enhance the airflow pressure entering the convergence part of the first channel 221 and enhance the airflow effect.

[0102] In some examples, we also combine the baffle structure 225 to partially converge the outlet section of the above-mentioned sample tube 22 inward, and retain the straight tube structure of the part connecting the second channel. At this time, the tail of the above-mentioned atomizing gas passage 23 forms a Venturi tube structure. In this structure, the outer surface of the baffle structure 225 is set to a smooth structure. At this time, the baffle structure 225 and the inner wall of the atomizing gas passage 23 form an entrance section, and the outward expansion structure of the above-mentioned second channel 222 makes the outer wall of the above-mentioned second channel 222 and the inner wall of the atomizing gas passage 23 form a contraction section, and the outlet section is divided into two parts. The straight tube part and the inner wall of the atomizing gas passage 23 form a throat, and the convergent part and the inner wall of the atomizing gas passage 23 form a diffusion section.

[0103] In combination with the above, through the improvement of the baffle structure 225 and the outlet section, the entire atomization section has two Venturi tube structures. The first Venturi tube structure is formed on the sample tube and is in the flow process of the sample solution. Relying on the smooth pressure difference characteristics of the Venturi tube, the flow resistance of the sample solution is reduced to ensure that a sufficient amount of sample solution flows into the outlet section of the sample tube 22. It should be noted that at this time, the embedded part 223 is matched with the baffle 223 structure. According to the Venturi effect, due to the reduction in cross-sectional area, when the fluid is in the convergence part, its speed increases. At this time, the atmospheric pressure is higher than the internal pressure of the straight tube part. Therefore, the external atomization gas is inhaled through the air channel formed by the embedded part 223. This suction effect can further increase the flow rate of the liquid. While achieving fusion with the sample solution, that is, the initial atomization of the sample solution, the pressurization effect of the convergence part strengthens the flow rate of the initial atomization sample and improves the fluid movement effect, that is, on the premise of ensuring the fluid speed of the sample solution, the sample solution is made to fall smoothly;

[0104] The second venturi tube structure is formed at the tail end of the atomizing gas passage 23. The setting of this part of the venturi tube structure is mainly to provide a smooth pressure difference for the fluid in the atomizing gas passage 23, to ensure that after the baffle structure 225 offsets part of the kinetic energy of the atomizing gas fluid, the atomizing gas fluid can still flow out smoothly in a straight line and blend with the external sample solution. At the same time, the internal convergence of the outlet section makes the tail end of the above-mentioned sample tube convergent, thereby pressurizing the outflowing sample solution, so that the above-mentioned sample solution is pressurized and flows out in a diffused state, so as to better contact with the atomizing gas that falls smoothly in a straight line, thereby further enhancing the atomizing gas effect.

[0105] Please refer to the instruction manual Figure 1-8 This embodiment also provides a UV-assisted electrospray method,

[0106] 1. Inject the sample solution into the electrospray 2 device;

[0107] 2. Select appropriate ion source 3 mode and parameters;

[0108] 3. Turn on the ultraviolet light source 4;

[0109] 4. Adjust the air pressure and temperature of ionization chamber 1;

[0110] 5. Collect and analyze sample ion data.

[0111] It should be noted that the device used in the ultraviolet light-assisted electrospray method is an ultraviolet light-assisted electrospray device described in any one of the first embodiment to the third embodiment. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modification, equivalent replacement or improvement made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A UV-assisted electrospray device, characterized in that: include: An ionization chamber (1), wherein the ionization chamber (1) has an ionization space inside; An electrospray (2), the electrospray (2) having an inlet for introducing an external sample and an atomizing portion for atomizing the external sample, the atomizing portion separating solvent droplets in the sample solvent; An ion source (3) for separating sample ions in the atomized sample; An ultraviolet light source (4), the ultraviolet light source (4) providing ultraviolet light to the atomized sample; An ion analysis unit (5), the ion analysis unit (5) comprising a receiving unit (51) for receiving sample ions and an analyzing unit (52) for analyzing the sample ions; The atomization section comprises a shell (21), a sample tube (22) and an atomizing gas passage (23); the shell (21) is perpendicular to the receiving unit (51) on a vertical plane; the sample tube (22) is connected to the center of the shell (21) and the inlet is located at the top of the sample tube (22); the bottom of the sample tube (22) diffuses and sprays the sample; an atomizing gas passage (23) is formed between the sample tube (22) and the inner wall of the shell (21) to allow the atomizing gas to pass through and be guided out; the atomizing gas passage (23) is coaxially arranged with the sample tube (22) so that the atomizing gas passing through the atomizing gas passage (23) contacts the sample solution passing through the sample tube (22) and atomizes the sample solution; Desolvation gas injection parts (6) are arranged on both sides of the electrospray (2), and the desolvation gas injection parts (6) are arranged toward the atomized sample solution, and the two desolvation gas injection parts (6) are arranged orthogonally on a vertical plane; The inner cavity of the sample tube (22) is provided with a first channel (221) coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the inlet and a second channel (222) coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the first channel (221) in sequence along the sample input path; the first channel (221) is in a straight cylindrical shape and has a diameter the same as that of the insertion end of the inlet; and the outlet diameter expands along the sample flow direction; The inner wall of the first channel (221) protrudes inwards and forms an embedded portion (223) embedded in the first channel (221) to shorten the diameter of the first channel (221); the embedded portion (223) is hollow inside and forms a connection path that communicates with the atomizing gas passage (23) to introduce the atomizing gas in the atomizing gas passage (23) into the first channel (221); A baffle structure (225) is installed outside the embedded part (223) to extend the movement path of the atomized gas entering the convergent part of the first channel (221), so that the communication path (224) of the atomized gas becomes an S-shaped structure, the outlet section of the sample tube (22) is partially converged inward, and the part connecting the second channel retains a straight tube structure, the outer surface of the baffle structure (225) is set to a smooth structure, the baffle structure (225) and the inner wall of the atomized gas passage (23) form an entrance section, and the outward expansion structure of the second channel (222) makes the outer wall of the second channel (222) and the inner wall of the atomized gas passage (23) form a contraction section, and the outlet section is divided into two parts, the straight tube part and the inner wall of the atomized gas passage (23) form a throat, and the convergent part and the inner wall of the atomized gas passage (23) form a diffusion section.

2. The ultraviolet-assisted electrospray device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ion source (3) includes two modes: ESI and APCI.

3. The ultraviolet-assisted electrospray device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ion source (3) and the receiving unit (51) are located on the same horizontal plane and are orthogonal to each other.

4. The ultraviolet-assisted electrospray device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The receiving unit (51) is provided with a back-blowing gas section (511) and a sampling cone (512) in sequence along the sample ion entry path. The back-blowing gas section (511) provides an inside-out gas blowing source, a back-blowing gas path for gas to pass through, and an air outlet. The gas blowing source provides an airflow, the back-blowing gas path is for airflow to pass through and is connected to the gas blowing source and the air outlet. The air outlet overlaps with the sample ion inlet so that the airflow can blow out solvent droplets entering the sample ion inlet.

5. The ultraviolet-assisted electrospray device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bottom of the ionization chamber (1) is provided with an exhaust port (11), and a micro-air pressure is arranged at the exhaust port (11).

6. A UV-assisted electrospray method, characterized in that: A UV-assisted electrospray device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5 is used.

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