Confocal microscope image of part of a
DESI crater, showing the height distribution

A strong collaboration between NPL and LGC is making significant progress in developing the foundations for Desorption Electrospray Ionisation (DESI) to provide reliable and valid measurements that enables industry to make full use of its potential and capabilities. This includes developing and implementing consistent definitions, measurement methods, and reference materials that will ensure comparable results from day-to-day and laboratory-to-laboratory operations. By investigating the effects of parameters (such as wettability, solvent composition, analyte chemistry and mass), and understanding the fundamentals of the DESI/surface interaction, we aim to provide clear guidance and validated protocols to help analysts optimise DESI for different classes of material. We are also keen to develop other ambient mass spectrometry techniques and are presently developing Extractive Electrospray Ionisation (EESI) MS (R. Zenobi et al, Anal. Chem. 2007) and Plasma Assisted Desorption Ionisation (PADI) MS (M. McCoustra et al, Anal. Chem. 2007) at NPL.

Selected Publications

[1] Developing repeatable measurements for reliable analysis of molecules at surfaces using DESI, F. M. Green, P. Stokes, C. Hopley, M. P. Seah, I. S. Gilmore, G. O'Connor, Anal. Chem, 2009, 81, 2286

[2] Ambient mass spectrometry: advances and applications in forensics, F. M. Green, T. L. Salter, P. Stokes, I. S. Gilmore, G. O'Connor, Surf. Inter. Anal., 2010, 42, 347

[3] The effect of electrospray solvent composition on desorption electrospray ionisation (DESI) efficiency and spatial resolution, F M Green, T L Salter, I S Gilmore, P Stokes, G O'Connor, Analyst, 2010, 135, 731

If you require PDF copies of the publications, please contact us below.

Contact: Felicia Green or Tara Salter