Ion suppressor and mass spectrometer combined system

Abstract

The invention provides an ion suppressor and mass spectrometer combined system, relates to the technical field of ion detection equipment, and is used for solving the problem of poor interferent elimination effect when interferent flowing into a mass spectrometer is eliminated based on an existing mode. The ion suppressor and mass spectrometer combined system comprises a leading-in pipeline, a mass spectrometer and an ion suppressor, the ion suppressor is arranged on the introduction pipeline and is used for filtering interference ions in the sample solution; the leading-in pipeline is communicated with the mass spectrometer and is used for leading the sample solution without the interference ions into the mass spectrometer; and the mass spectrometer is used for carrying out ion concentration detection on the sample solution without the interference ions. According to the ion suppressor and mass spectrometer combined system provided by the invention, not only can the detection sensitivity and accuracy of the mass spectrometer be improved, but also the service life of the mass spectrometer can be prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ion detection equipment technology, and in particular to a system combining an ion suppressor and a mass spectrometer. Background Technology

[0002] Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is widely used for the determination of heavy metal elements in various fields such as environmental monitoring, food safety, medicine, and mineral materials due to its advantages of simultaneous measurement and high sensitivity. However, current ICP-MS instruments suffer from poor detection sensitivity and accuracy, as well as short lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, this application provides a system for combining an ion suppressor with a mass spectrometer, which can not only improve the detection sensitivity and accuracy of the mass spectrometer, but also extend the service life of the mass spectrometer.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application provide the following technical solutions:

[0005] This application provides a system for combining an ion suppressor and a mass spectrometer, including an inlet tubing, a mass spectrometer, and an ion suppressor. The ion suppressor is arranged on the inlet tubing and is used to filter out interfering ions in the sample solution. The inlet tubing is connected to the mass spectrometer and is used to introduce the sample solution with the interfering ions removed into the mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer is used to detect the ion concentration of the sample solution with the interfering ions removed.

[0006] In one optional embodiment, the ion suppressor includes an anode plate, a cathode plate, a first ion exchange membrane, and a second ion exchange membrane; the anode plate and the cathode plate are disposed opposite to each other, the first ion exchange membrane and the second ion exchange membrane have the same polarity and are disposed between the anode plate and the cathode plate; a sample solution channel is formed between the first ion exchange membrane and the second ion exchange membrane; a first rinsing channel is formed between the first ion exchange membrane and the anode plate, and a second rinsing channel is formed between the second ion exchange membrane and the cathode plate.

[0007] In an optional embodiment, the ion suppressor further includes at least one third ion exchange membrane; the third ion exchange membrane is disposed in the first rinsing channel and / or the second rinsing channel, and the third ion exchange membrane has the same polarity as the first ion exchange membrane and the second ion exchange membrane; the third ion exchange membrane is disposed opposite to the first ion exchange membrane or the second ion exchange membrane.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the ion suppressor further includes a housing; the anode plate, the cathode plate, the first ion exchange membrane, the second ion exchange membrane, and the third ion exchange membrane are detachably installed within the cavity of the housing; the housing includes a sample liquid inlet, a sample liquid outlet, a first waste liquid outlet, and a second waste liquid outlet; wherein the sample liquid inlet and the sample liquid outlet are respectively connected to the sample liquid channel; the first waste liquid outlet is connected to the first rinsing channel, and the second waste liquid outlet is connected to the second rinsing channel.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment, the ion suppressor is configured as a cation suppressor; the first ion exchange membrane and the second ion exchange membrane are respectively anion exchange membranes.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the ion suppressor further includes a rinsing conduit; the rinsing conduit is connected to the first rinsing channel and the second rinsing channel respectively, and the rinsing conduit is configured to inject electrolyte into the first rinsing channel and the second rinsing channel; the cations formed by the electrolysis of the electrolyte by the anode plate combine with the anions of the sample solution, and the anions formed by the electrolysis of the electrolyte by the cathode plate move to the sample solution channel.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment, the electrolyte comprises water.

[0012] In one alternative embodiment, the ion suppressor further includes a replenishment line; the replenishment line is in communication with the sample solution channel, and the replenishment line is configured to inject an acidic solution into the replenishment line.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the acidic solution is configured as a nitric acid solution.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, the mass spectrometer is configured as an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer; the mass spectrometer includes a nebulizer and a liquid delivery pump, one end of the inlet tube is connected to the nebulizer, and the other end of the inlet tube is connected to the sample solution; the liquid delivery pump and the ion suppressor are respectively disposed on the inlet tube, along the flow direction of the sample solution, with the liquid delivery pump located on the side of the ion suppressor away from the nebulizer; or the liquid delivery pump is located between the ion suppressor and the nebulizer.

[0015] Compared with related technologies, the ion suppressor and mass spectrometer coupling system provided in this application has the following advantages:

[0016] The ion suppressor and mass spectrometer coupling system provided in this application embodiment filters out interfering ions by installing an ion suppressor in the mass spectrometer's inlet tubing, reducing the risk of interfering ions entering the mass spectrometer. For example, when the mass spectrometer is used to determine cations in a sample solution, the ion suppressor can filter out anions from the sample solution.

[0017] In related technologies, the parameters of various components of a mass spectrometer are comprehensively adjusted to eliminate the influence of interfering substances (anions) on the detection results. However, some interfering substances are deposited on the walls of the flow tubing of the sample solution inside the mass spectrometer, increasing the maintenance frequency and reducing the service life. Furthermore, the technology for eliminating interfering substances is quite difficult, and it is impossible to eliminate different types of interfering substances at the same time. In the process of eliminating numerous interfering substances, a balance is sought, and a large number of interfering substances are still present in the sample solution, which reduces the sensitivity and accuracy of the detection data.

[0018] However, in this embodiment, an ion suppressor is added before the sample solution is introduced into the mass spectrometer to eliminate a large number of interfering ions. Since a large number of interfering ions do not enter the mass spectrometer, the difficulty of eliminating interfering substances is reduced, and the elimination effect is improved. This not only improves the sensitivity and accuracy of detection, but also reduces the risk of interfering substances accumulating in the mass spectrometer, reduces wear and tear on the mass spectrometer, and extends its service life.

[0019] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of this disclosure, the technical features constituting the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions described above, other technical problems that can be solved by the ion suppressor and mass spectrometer combined system provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by these technical features will be further described in detail in the specific implementation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the ion suppressor and mass spectrometer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the ion suppressor provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0023] Figure 3A schematic diagram of the structure of the ion suppressor provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 .

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] 10 - Ion suppressor; 101 - Sample solution channel; 102 - First rinsing channel; 103 - Second rinsing channel;

[0026] 11-Anode plate;

[0027] 12-Cathode plate;

[0028] 13-First ion exchange membrane;

[0029] 14-Second ion exchange membrane;

[0030] 15-Third ion exchange membrane;

[0031] 20-mass spectrometer;

[0032] 21-Atomizer;

[0033] 22-ion source;

[0034] 23-Sampling cone;

[0035] 24-Ion Lens Assembly;

[0036] 25-Quadrupole Ion Filter;

[0037] 26-Detector;

[0038] 30 - Sample solution;

[0039] 40 - Inlet tubing. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Current inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) suffers from poor detection sensitivity and accuracy, as well as a short lifespan. The inventors have discovered that this problem arises because the presence of interfering substances (anions) in the sample solution can interfere with heavy metal determination. For example, interference from polyatomic ions formed by the junction of anions and argon gas (such as...) 40 Ar 35 Cl pairs 75 Interference from substances such as As can reduce the precision and accuracy of metal cation detection. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively adjust the parameters of various components in the mass spectrometer to eliminate interference.

[0041] For example, interference from other substances can be eliminated by adjusting the nebulizer's atomization effect, the temperature of the inductively coupled plasma, the flow rates of the shielding gas and carrier gas, the position of the sampling cone's cone orifice, the mode and gas path selection of the collision reaction cell, the voltage of the quadrupole, and editing the software correction equations.

[0042] However, the above-mentioned method of eliminating interfering substances flowing into the mass spectrometer by comprehensively adjusting the parameters of various components in the mass spectrometer cannot simultaneously eliminate different types of interfering substances. In the process of seeking a balance among eliminating numerous interfering substances, a large number of interfering substances are still present in the sample solution. The large amount of interfering substances deposited in the mass spectrometer not only affects the sensitivity and accuracy of the mass spectrometer's detection, but also affects the lifespan of the mass spectrometer.

[0043] To address the aforementioned technical issues, this application provides a system for combining an ion suppressor with a mass spectrometer. By installing an ion suppressor in the inlet tube of the mass spectrometer, the ion suppressor can filter out interfering ions, reducing the risk of interfering ions entering the mass spectrometer.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an ion suppressor is added before the sample solution is introduced into the mass spectrometer to eliminate a large number of interfering ions. Since a large number of interfering ions do not enter the mass spectrometer, the difficulty of eliminating interfering substances is reduced, and the elimination effect is improved. This not only improves the sensitivity and accuracy of detection but also reduces the risk of interfering substances accumulating within the mass spectrometer, reducing wear and tear on the spectrometer and extending its service life.

[0045] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the ion suppressor and mass spectrometer combined system provided in this application embodiment includes an inlet tube 40, a mass spectrometer 20 and an ion suppressor 10, wherein the inlet tube 40 is arranged between the sample solution 30 and the mass spectrometer 20, and the inlet tube 40 is used to connect the sample solution 30 and the mass spectrometer 20 to introduce the sample solution into the mass spectrometer 20.

[0047] The mass spectrometer 20 is used to detect the ion concentration of the sample solution 30. Understandably, depending on the detection requirements, the detected ion can be an anion, in which case the interfering ion is a cation in the sample solution 30; or, the detected ion can be a cation, in which case the interfering ion is an anion in the sample solution 30.

[0048] Furthermore, to filter out interfering ions in the sample solution 30, an ion suppressor 10 is installed on the inlet tubing 40. The ion suppressor 10 is used to filter out interfering ions in the sample solution 30, which can reduce the risk of a large number of interfering ions entering the mass spectrometer 20. For example, the ion suppressor 10 filters out a large number of anions in the sample solution 30, and the mass spectrometer 20 is used to measure the concentration of cations in the sample solution 30 after the interfering ions have been filtered out.

[0049] In related technologies, the parameters of various components of a mass spectrometer are comprehensively adjusted to eliminate the influence of interfering substances (anions) on the detection results. However, some interfering substances are deposited on the walls of the flow tubing of the sample solution inside the mass spectrometer, increasing the maintenance frequency and reducing the service life. Furthermore, the technology for eliminating interfering substances is quite difficult, and it is impossible to eliminate different types of interfering substances at the same time. In the process of eliminating numerous interfering substances, a balance is sought, and a large number of interfering substances are still present in the sample solution, which reduces the sensitivity and accuracy of the detection data.

[0050] However, in this embodiment, an ion suppressor 10 is added before the sample solution 30 is introduced into the mass spectrometer 20 to eliminate a large number of interfering ions in the sample solution 30. Since a large number of interfering ions do not enter the mass spectrometer 20, the difficulty of eliminating interfering substances is reduced, and the elimination effect of interfering substances is improved. This setting can not only improve the sensitivity and accuracy of detection, but also reduce the risk of accumulation of interfering substances in the mass spectrometer 20, reduce the wear and tear on the mass spectrometer 20, and extend its service life.

[0051] Based on the above embodiments, the ion suppressor 10 provided in this application includes a housing (not shown in the figure), an anode plate 11, a cathode plate 12, a first ion exchange membrane 13, and a second ion exchange membrane 14. The housing has a cavity, and the anode plate 11, cathode plate 12, first ion exchange membrane 13, and second ion exchange membrane 14 are detachably installed in the cavity. This configuration facilitates the replacement of the anode plate 11, cathode plate 12, first ion exchange membrane 13, and second ion exchange membrane 14 after long-term use of the ion suppressor 10, or depending on the type of interfering ions removed.

[0052] For ease of description of the embodiments of this application, the flow direction of the sample solution 30 in the cavity is the first direction, which can be the X-axis direction shown in the figure. The arrangement direction of the anode plate 11, cathode plate 12, first ion exchange membrane 13 and second ion exchange membrane 14 is the second direction, which can be the Y-axis direction shown in the figure. The length extension direction of the anode plate 11, cathode plate 12, first ion exchange membrane 13 and second ion exchange membrane 14 is consistent with the first direction.

[0053] Along the second direction, the anode plate 11 and the cathode plate 12 are arranged opposite to each other. The anode plate 11 is connected to the positive terminal of the electrolysis circuit, and the cathode plate 12 is connected to the negative terminal of the electrolysis circuit. An electric field is formed between the anode plate 11 and the cathode plate 12. The first ion exchange membrane 13 and the second ion exchange membrane 14 are arranged at intervals between the anode plate 11 and the cathode plate 12 along the second direction, and a sample solution channel 101 is formed between the first ion exchange membrane 13 and the second ion exchange membrane 14.

[0054] A first rinsing channel 102 is formed between the anode plate 11 and the first ion exchange membrane 13, which can also be defined as a first flushing channel; a second rinsing channel 103 is formed between the cathode plate 12 and the second ion exchange membrane 14, which can also be defined as a second flushing channel.

[0055] Furthermore, the first ion exchange membrane 13 and the second ion exchange membrane 14 have the same polarity, and the interfering ions have the same polarity as the ion exchange membranes. The interfering ions can pass through the ion exchange membranes into the first rinsing channel 102 and the second rinsing channel 103. The sample solution 30 flows within the sample solution channel 101. Under the influence of the electric field, the interfering ions of the sample solution 30 can pass through the first ion exchange membrane 13 or the second ion exchange membrane 14 into the first rinsing channel 102 or the second rinsing channel 103, whereupon the interfering ions are further bound into the rinsing solution and discharged as waste liquid.

[0056] It should be noted that the shell also includes a sample liquid inlet, a sample liquid outlet, a first waste liquid outlet, and a second waste liquid outlet; wherein, along the first direction, the sample liquid inlet and the sample liquid outlet are arranged opposite to each other on the shell and are located at both ends of the sample liquid channel 101, and the sample liquid inlet and the sample liquid outlet are respectively connected to the sample liquid channel 101.

[0057] Along the first direction, the first waste liquid outlet is arranged at the end of the first rinsing channel 102 and is connected to the first rinsing channel 102; similarly, the second waste liquid outlet is arranged at the end of the second rinsing channel 103 and is connected to the second rinsing channel 103.

[0058] In this embodiment, electrolyte is introduced into the first rinsing channel 102 and the second rinsing channel 103. The electrolyte reacts with the anode plate 11 and the cathode plate 12 to form cations or anions, respectively. Under the influence of the electric field, interfering ions in the sample solution pass through the ion exchange membrane with the same polarity and enter the rinsing channel, while the ions to be detected cannot pass through the ion exchange membrane and are retained in the sample channel 101.

[0059] Furthermore, the cations formed by the electrolysis of the electrolyte by the anode plate 11 can combine with the interfering ions (anions) in the sample solution 30. In this configuration, the interfering ions in the sample solution 30 can be carried away by the electrolyte. The anions formed by the electrolysis of the electrolyte by the cathode plate 12 have the same polarity as the ion exchange membrane. Under the action of the battery, the anions formed by the electrolysis of the cathode plate 12 can move to the sample solution channel 101 to maintain a stable number of anions in the sample solution 30.

[0060] It should be noted that the anions precipitated from the electrolyte in this embodiment are different from the anions in the sample solution, resulting in minimal interference from the anions in the cations of the sample solution to be tested. Interfering ions in the sample solution to be tested will reduce the precision and accuracy of the detected cations.

[0061] When chloride and fluoride ions are present in the sample solution, they can interfere with the mass-to-charge ratio of the analyte cation. For example, interference from polyatomic ions formed by anions and argon gas junctions (such as...) 40 Ar 35 Cl pairs 75 While interferences exist (e.g., as electrolytes can interfere with the detection of metal cations), the anions (hydroxyl ions) deposited by the electrolyte on the cathode plate have no effect on the mass-to-charge ratio of metal cations detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS).

[0062] The ion suppressor 10 also includes a rinsing conduit, which is connected to both the first rinsing channel 102 and the second rinsing channel 103. The rinsing conduit is configured to inject electrolyte into both the first rinsing channel 102 and the second rinsing channel 103. It is understood that the rinsing conduit may include two branches, defined as a first branch and a second branch, wherein the first branch is connected to the first rinsing channel 102 and the second branch is connected to the second rinsing channel 103; or, the first rinsing channel 102 and the second rinsing channel 103 share a single rinsing conduit, which includes a first opening and a second opening, the first opening being connected to the first rinsing channel 102 and the second opening being connected to the second rinsing channel 103.

[0063] In this embodiment, the ion suppressor 10 is configured as a cation suppressor, and the mass spectrometer 20 includes, but is not limited to, an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. This embodiment is illustrated using an ion suppressor and mass spectrometer combined system, including both a cation suppressor and an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, as an example.

[0064] Specifically, the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer includes a nebulizer 21 and a liquid delivery pump (not shown in the figure). One end of the inlet tube 40 is connected to the inlet of the nebulizer 21, which is used to atomize the sample solution to form an effective fine droplet aerosol. Further, the other end of the inlet tube 40 is connected to the sample solution 30. The ion suppressor 10 and the liquid delivery pump are respectively mounted on the inlet tube 40, i.e., the ion suppressor 10 and the liquid delivery pump are connected in series on the inlet tube 40.

[0065] For example, along the flow direction of the sample solution 30, the liquid delivery pump is positioned on the side of the ion suppressor 10 away from the nebulizer 21, that is, the liquid delivery pump is positioned between the ion suppressor 10 and the sample solution 30. Alternatively, the liquid delivery pump is positioned between the ion suppressor 10 and the nebulizer 21. The liquid delivery pump can be a peristaltic pump, under the action of the peristaltic pump, the sample solution 30 can flow into the nebulizer 21 after passing through the ion suppressor 10.

[0066] The ion suppressor 10 is a cation suppressor, and its first ion exchange membrane 13 and second ion exchange membrane 14 are anion exchange membranes. When the sample solution 30 flows into the sample solution channel 101 of the ion suppressor 10, the interfering ions (anions) of the sample solution 30, under the action of the electric field, a large number of interfering ions (anions) pass through the first ion exchange membrane 13 and enter the first rinsing channel 102.

[0067] In this embodiment, the electrolyte can be water. The water reacts with the anode plate 11 to generate oxygen and free cations (hydrogen ions H+) in the first rinsing channel 102. After interfering ions (anions) enter the first rinsing channel 102 through the first ion exchange membrane 13, the interfering ions combine with hydrogen ions H+ and are discharged as waste liquid.

[0068] If the cations in sample solution 30 cannot pass through the first ion exchange membrane 13 into the first rinsing channel 102, nor can they pass through the second ion exchange membrane 14 into the second rinsing channel 103, then the cations in sample solution 30 are retained in sample solution 30 and can be further delivered to nebulizer 21.

[0069] The water undergoes an electrolytic reaction with the cathode plate 12, generating hydrogen gas and anions (hydroxyl ions OH-) in the second rinsing channel 103. - The generated hydrogen gas is discharged through the second rinsing channel 103. Hydroxide ions (OH-) - The sample solution can be replenished through the second ion exchange membrane 14 into the sample solution channel 101 to replenish the large number of interfering ions (anions) filtered out by the sample solution 30, so as to balance the cations and anions in the sample solution 30.

[0070] like Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the ion suppressor 10 further includes at least one third ion exchange membrane 15. Specifically, a third ion exchange membrane 15 is respectively disposed in the first rinsing channel 102 and / or the second rinsing channel 103, and the third ion exchange membrane 15 has the same polarity as the first ion exchange membrane 13 and the second ion exchange membrane 14. For example, the first ion exchange membrane 13, the second ion exchange membrane 14, and the third ion exchange membrane are all anion exchange membranes.

[0071] Preferably, a third ion exchange membrane 15 is respectively disposed in the first rinsing channel 102 and the second rinsing channel 103, and the third ion exchange membrane 15 is disposed opposite to and spaced apart from the first ion exchange membrane 13 and the second ion exchange membrane 14 along the second direction. For example, the third ion exchange membrane 15, the second ion exchange membrane 14 and the first ion exchange membrane 13 are disposed parallel to each other and spaced apart along the second direction. This arrangement can form multiple rinsing channels, improving the filtration effect on interfering ions.

[0072] In other embodiments, the ion suppressor 10 further includes a replenishment line connected to the sample channel 101. For example, along a first direction, the replenishment line is connected to the sample outlet of the sample channel 101. The replenishment line is configured to inject nitric acid solution into the sample channel 101, which can suppress the hydrolysis of the metal cation to be detected and neutralize some hydroxide ions, thereby maintaining an acidic environment in the sample channel 101 and preventing the metal cation from forming hydroxide precipitates. This keeps the cation to be detected in solution, providing a stable environment for the cation to be tested and improving the accuracy of cation detection.

[0073] Furthermore, the acidic solution is preferably a nitric acid solution with a content of 5%-10%. If the nitric acid content in the acidic solution is less than 5%, it will affect the stability of the cation to be tested. Conversely, if the nitric acid content in the nitric acid solution is greater than 10%, it will easily cause corrosion.

[0074] The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer provided in this application embodiment includes not only an atomizer 21, but also an ion source 22, a sampling cone 23, an ion lens assembly 24, a quadrupole ion filter 25, and a detector 26 connected to the atomizer 21. The atomizer 21 atomizes the sample solution 30 to be tested, atomizing the sample solution 30 into uniform droplets, which are then further transported to the plasma center channel of the ion source 22.

[0075] Sample solution 30 is dissociated, atomized, and ionized in the plasma central channel of ion source 22 to extract ions, thereby forming plasma. The plasma enters the ion lens assembly 24 through sampling cone 23, and the ion lens assembly 24 separates photons and neutral particles in the plasma from ions, thus eliminating interference from photons and neutral particles.

[0076] Furthermore, the separated ions enter the quadrupole ion filter 25. The quadrupole ion filter 25 selects radio frequency and DC voltage, so only ions with a given mass-to-charge ratio can obtain a stable path and pass through the electrode and be output from the other end. Other ions will be over-biased and collide with the electrode. The ions that collide with the electrode are neutralized and disappear. This can further filter out ions that do not conform to the given mass-to-charge ratio, reduce ion interference, and improve detection accuracy.

[0077] Ions passing through the quadrupole ion filter 25 are ultimately introduced into the detector 26, which converts the ions into electron pulses, which are then counted by an integrating circuit. Understandably, the magnitude of the electron pulses is related to the concentration of the analyte ions in the sample; by comparing these pulses with a standard of known concentration, quantitative analysis of elements in an unknown sample is achieved.

[0078] The various embodiments or implementation methods described in this specification are presented in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0079] It should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., mentioned in the specification indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, is within the knowledge scope of those skilled in the art.

[0080] Generally speaking, terms should be understood at least in part by their use in context. For example, at least in part by context, the term "one or more" as used in the text can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic of the singular meaning, or a combination of features, structures, or characteristics of the plural meaning. Similarly, at least in part by context, terms such as "a" or "the" can also be understood to convey either singular or plural usage.

[0081] It should be readily understood that the terms “on,” “above,” and “on top of” in this disclosure should be interpreted in the broadest possible sense, such that “on” means not only “directly on something” but also “on something” with an intermediate feature or layer therebetween, and that “above” or “on top of” means not only “on top of something” but also “on top of something” without an intermediate feature or layer therebetween (i.e., directly on something).

[0082] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A system for combining an ion suppressor with a mass spectrometer, characterized in that, This includes the inlet tubing, mass spectrometer, and ion suppressor; The ion suppressor is arranged on the inlet tube and is used to filter out interfering ions in the sample solution. The inlet tubing is connected to the mass spectrometer and is used to introduce the sample solution with filtered interfering ions removed into the mass spectrometer; the mass spectrometer is used to detect the ion concentration of the sample solution with filtered interfering ions removed.

2. The combined system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ion suppressor includes an anode plate, a cathode plate, a first ion exchange membrane, and a second ion exchange membrane. The anode plate and the cathode plate are arranged opposite to each other, and the first ion exchange membrane and the second ion exchange membrane have the same polarity and are disposed between the anode plate and the cathode plate. A sample solution channel is formed between the first ion exchange membrane and the second ion exchange membrane; A first rinsing channel is formed between the first ion exchange membrane and the anode plate, and a second rinsing channel is formed between the second ion exchange membrane and the cathode plate.

3. The combined system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ion suppressor further includes at least one third ion exchange membrane; The third ion exchange membrane is disposed in the first rinsing channel and / or the second rinsing channel, and the third ion exchange membrane has the same polarity as the first ion exchange membrane and the second ion exchange membrane; The third ion exchange membrane is disposed opposite to the first ion exchange membrane or the second ion exchange membrane.

4. The combined system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ion suppressor also includes a housing; The anode plate, the cathode plate, the first ion exchange membrane, the second ion exchange membrane, and the third ion exchange membrane are detachably installed in the cavity of the housing; The housing includes a sample liquid inlet, a sample liquid outlet, a first waste liquid outlet, and a second waste liquid outlet; wherein the sample liquid inlet and the sample liquid outlet are respectively connected to the sample liquid channel; The first waste liquid outlet is connected to the first rinsing channel, and the second waste liquid outlet is connected to the second rinsing channel.

5. The combined system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ion suppressor is configured as a cation suppressor; The first ion exchange membrane and the second ion exchange membrane are both anion exchange membranes.

6. The combined system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ion suppressor also includes a rinsing pipeline; The rinsing pipeline is connected to the first rinsing channel and the second rinsing channel respectively, and the rinsing pipeline is configured to inject electrolyte into the first rinsing channel and the second rinsing channel; The cations formed by the electrolysis of the electrolyte by the anode plate combine with the anions in the sample solution, and the anions formed by the electrolysis of the electrolyte by the cathode plate move to the sample solution channel.

7. The combined system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The electrolyte includes water.

8. The combined system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, The ion suppressor also includes a replenishment pipeline; The replenishment tubing is connected to the sample solution channel, and the replenishment tubing is configured to inject an acidic solution into the replenishment tubing.

9. The combined system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The acidic solution is prepared as a nitric acid solution.

10. The combined system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mass spectrometer is configured as an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer includes a nebulizer and a liquid delivery pump. One end of the inlet tube is connected to the nebulizer, and the other end of the inlet tube is connected to the sample solution. The liquid delivery pump and the ion suppressor are respectively disposed on the inlet pipe. Along the flow direction of the sample solution, the liquid delivery pump is located on the side of the ion suppressor away from the nebulizer; or the liquid delivery pump is located between the ion suppressor and the nebulizer.

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