Nanoscale Protrusion Mass Spectrometry Probe for Low-Voltage Ionization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass spectrometry methods often cause unwanted fragmentation of target analytes due to the use of high voltage sources during ionization, which can lead to inaccurate analysis.
Innovation Solution
A low voltage mass spectrometry probe is developed, featuring a substrate with nanoscale protrusions coated with electrically conductive materials like carbon nanotubes, which generates ions through field emission at voltages of 3 volts or less, minimizing fragmentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If high voltage sources are used for ionization, then ionization efficiency is improved, but unwanted fragmentation of target analyte occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the voltage parameter from high voltage (typically kilovolts) to low voltage (3 volts or less) while compensating with nanoscale geometric features. The nanoscale protrusions create extremely high electric field strengths locally, enabling effective ionization at low applied voltages and preventing analyte fragmentation that occurs with high voltage methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from macroscopic voltage control to nanoscale geometric control. By creating protrusions at the nanoscale dimension, the system achieves high field emission without requiring high macroscopic voltages, thus resolving the contradiction between ionization efficiency and fragmentation prevention.
2Power
If high voltage sources are used for ionization, then ionization capability is improved, but sample integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating voltage parameter to low voltage (3V or less) while introducing nanoscale geometric parameters (protrusion dimensions) to maintain high ionization capability. This parameter transformation preserves sample integrity by avoiding the high energy conditions that cause fragmentation and degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The nanoscale protrusions create localized regions of extremely high electric field strength at specific points on the substrate surface. This local concentration of field strength enables effective ionization without requiring high global voltage, thereby preserving overall sample integrity while maintaining ionization capability.
3Reliability
If conventional ionization methods are used, then ionization effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases due to high voltage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the voltage parameter from high to low (3V or less), which dramatically simplifies the power source requirements. Simple batteries or low-voltage power supplies can replace complex high-voltage generation systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining ionization effectiveness through nanoscale field emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/electrical high-voltage generation system with a low-voltage system combined with nanoscale geometric features. The nanoscale protrusions act as field emission tips, substituting the need for complex high-voltage electronics with simple low-voltage sources and geometric field concentration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for effective ionization of analytes without fragmentation, enabling precise mass spectrometry analysis with reduced sample preparation and no need for pneumatic assistance, using a low voltage source and a substrate like paper coated with carbon nanotubes.
Implementation Method 1
The protrusions provide a field strength high enough to cause field emission of microscale solution droplets containing analyte at these nanoscale protrusions
Implementation Method 2
a low voltage mass spectrometry probe configured to generated ions without the need for a high voltage source
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to mass spectrometry probes and systems for ionizing a sample. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a mass spectrometry probe including a substrate in which a portion of the substrate is coated with a material, a portion of which protrudes from the substrate.