We have two field-deployable Chemical Ionisation Mass Spectrometers (CIMS) for real-time characterisation of organic and inorganic gaseous compounds in the air:
- Atmospheric Pressure Interface Time of Flight (API-ToF) that we can use with: 1) nitrate ion source for trace levels detection of H2SO4, methanesulfonic acid (MSA), HIO3 and highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs); 2) iodide source (old generation Ion Molecule Reactor) for detection of oxygenated organics, organic acids, peroxides and some inorganic acids. The API-ToF can be used on its own (i.e. without Chemical Ionisation sources) to measure the chemical composition of naturally charged ions present in the air. The API-TOF uses Tofwerk’s high resolution Time of Flight mass analyser (mass resolution : 3000-5000)
- VOCUS-CIMS with a long Time of Flight mass analyser (mass resolution: ~10,000) and a Vocus PTR Reactor that can use H3O+ or NH4+ ions. More information about this instrument can be found on the manufacturer’s website.
