High-resolution multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer with atmospheric pressure interface

Rationale Atmospheric pressure interface multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometry (API-MRTOF-MS) has the potential to be a rapid and high-resolution analytical tool for versatile applications in chemistry, biology, environmental science, and medicine. Methods The ions were reflected in a mass analyzer via electrostatic mirrors and folded flight path. Therefore, flight distances were significantly increased. The ion flight path of the API-MRTOF-MS was extended from meters to over 1 km, and the mass resolution was increased. Furthermore, the mass analysis could be completed at around 10 ms due to the rapid response of TOF-MS. Results A high-resolution API-MRTOF-MS approach is successfully developed in this study. The mass resolution could achieve 116 050 (full widths at half maximum [FWHM]) for Cs + ions using an atmospheric pressure electrospray ionization within a total TOF of only 18 ms. An ion transmission efficiency of over 50% was achieved after 600 cycles. Conclusions The analytical performance of the newly developed API-MRTOF-MS demonstrated that it is suitable for high resolution and rapid analysis in many fields.