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Modern mass spectrometry in atmospheric sciences: Measurement of volatile organic compounds in the troposphere using proton‐transfer‐reaction mass spectrometry
Author(s) -
Sekimoto Kanako,
Koss Abigail R.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.475
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9888
pISSN - 1076-5174
DOI - 10.1002/jms.4548
Subject(s) - chemistry , mass spectrometry , troposphere , environmental chemistry , atmospheric chemistry , analytical chemistry (journal) , fragmentation (computing) , chemical ionization , volatile organic compound , ion , ionization , atmospheric sciences , chromatography , organic chemistry , ozone , computer science , geology , operating system
This month's Special Feature is a contribution from Dr. Kanako Sekimoto (Yokohama City University) and Dr. Abigail Koss (Tofwerk USA). The authors discuss the challenges associated with the application of mass spectrometry to studies in the atmospheric sciences. They introduce the use of protontransfer‐reaction mass spectrometry (PTR‐MS) – a chemical ionization mass spectrometry technique using H 3 O + reagent ions – in the real‐time measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the troposphere. They outline the principles of PTR‐MS and illustrate its benefits for accurate identification and comprehensive quantification of various VOCs at the ppt to ppb level. The authors also illustrate how modern PTR mass spectrometers incorporating time‐of‐flight mass analyzers are small, can be used in remote field sites, and can measure hundreds of compounds simultaneously. Because PTR‐MS leads to minimal fragmentation, unknowns can be identified without a complex library or the need for online chromatographic preseparation. Their Special Feature also uses carefully selected examples from research in biomass burning emissions and chemistry to show how the skillful application of PTR‐MS has markedly enhanced our understanding of the origins of VOC and their roles in environmental issues. While PTR‐MS may be new to many practicing mass spectrometrists, it is now a well‐established analytical technique for in‐situ VOC measurements in atmospheric sciences and this Special Feature is a comprehensive and educational introduction to the area.