Shaped Electrospray Emitter for Stable Multi-Plume Ionization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrospray ionization (ESI) methods in mass spectrometry face limitations in ionization efficiency due to space charge repulsion between adjacent plumes, despite theoretical improvements with multiple nozzles, and there is a need for enhanced mixing between droplet streams and nebulizing gas flow.
Innovation Solution
A single nozzle emitter geometry with a shaped aperture is used to produce multiple droplet streams with defined nucleation points, utilizing electrostatic repulsion to enhance droplet mixing with a surrounding sheath gas flow, stabilizing and reproducibly directing droplets to a mass spectrometer inlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple nozzles are used to increase ion current, then sensitivity is improved, but space charge repulsion between adjacent plumes reduces the theoretical ion current improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The single nozzle is segmented into multiple independent spray plumes through a shaped aperture with multiple emission sites, allowing each plume to operate independently while maintaining overall system compactness and avoiding space charge repulsion issues
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple spray plumes are merged into a single nozzle structure, combining the benefits of multiple nozzles (increased ion current) while eliminating the harmful interactions between separately positioned nozzles
2Quantity of substance
If multiple nozzles are spaced by micron-scale dimensions, then sensitivity is improved, but droplet stream mixing with nebulizing gas flow is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is designed with different local geometries at different emission sites, creating varied droplet trajectories and spray patterns that enhance local mixing with the nebulizing gas flow while maintaining overall system performance
3Stability of the object's composition
If a single nozzle emitter with shaped aperture is used, then droplet stream mixing is enhanced, but emission stability and reproducibility must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture employs asymmetric curved sections with different radii of curvature to create defined nucleation points that stabilize Taylor cone formation, ensuring reproducible emission patterns while promoting droplet stream mixing through non-uniform geometry
Solution Approach 2:
Curved sections with specific radii of curvature are used to shape the aperture, creating well-defined Taylor cone nucleation points that ensure stable and reproducible droplet emission while enhancing mixing through controlled spray trajectories
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 increases ionization efficiency by promoting droplet stream mixing and desolvation, leading to improved sensitivity and robustness in electrospray ionization processes, particularly when combined with liquid chromatography.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing electrostatic repulsion to enhance droplet mixing with a surrounding sheath gas flow
Implementation Method 2
at least partially desolvating each of the plurality of non-axial droplet streams in a sheath gas flow
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
Multiple droplet streams are produced with shaped apertures that are situated at distal ends of flow members. The droplet streams interact with and are desolvated by a shear gas flow. A variable number of droplet streams at fixed locations can be produced by selection of a suitable extraction electric field.