KR20230014074A - Interface of liquid chromatography, ionizing device and mass spectrometer, and method of analyzing analyte using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are an interface of a liquid chromatography (LC), an ionizing device, and a mass spectrometer (MS). A sample including a target eluted in the LC is ionized by the ionizing device, and is introduced as the MS. The interface comprises: a droplet spraying device which converts and sprays the sample including the target eluted in the LC into a form of a sample droplet; an introducing pipe which introduces the target into the MS; and an evaporating device which is arranged between the droplet spraying device and the introducing pipe, and generates a gaseous target by evaporating a solvent included in the sample droplet. The ionizing device irradiates a beam to the gaseous target in the introducing pipe, and ionizes the gaseous target introduced into the MS through the introducing pipe. The evaporating device includes a block in which at least one opening is formed and is heated. The sample droplet sprayed in the droplet spraying device is generated as the gaseous target by passing through the at least one opening. Accordingly, the generated gaseous target can flow into the introducing pipe.

Description

Interface of liquid chromatography, ionizer and mass spectrometer and sample analysis method using the same

Mutual Citations with Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0094815 dated July 20, 2021, and all contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

The present invention relates to an interface of a liquid chromatography, an ionizer, and a mass spectrometer, and a sample analysis method using the same, and relates to an interface of a liquid chromatography, an ionizer, and a mass spectrometer capable of effectively detecting non-polar low-molecular-weight substances and silicon-based compounds, and an interface of a liquid chromatography, an ionizer, and a mass spectrometer, and the same. It relates to the sample analysis method used.

For quantitative and qualitative analysis of substances, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometer (LC/MS) is mainly used. A liquid chromatography mass spectrometer (LC/MS) connects the outlet of the liquid chromatography to the inlet of the mass spectrometer to supply the mass spectrometer with a sample containing a target that has been separated into single components in the liquid chromatography, and the components of the target in the mass spectrometer. can be detected.

A mass spectrometer separates ions generated by ionizing a target to be analyzed according to a ratio between mass and charge amount, and displays them in the form of a mass spectrum. Therefore, in a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer (LC/MS), an ionizer for ionizing a target is disposed between the liquid chromatography and the mass spectrometer.

Ionization methods widely used in liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS) include electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI). This ionization method is widely used in liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS) because it can effectively perform not only the role of ionizing the target (analyte) but also the interface between liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. However, when the target is a non-polar low-molecular-weight material or a silicon-based compound, it is sometimes difficult to analyze by this ionization method.

Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) is one of the methods capable of effectively ionizing these materials (eg, non-polar low molecular weight materials or silicon-based compounds). In order to apply real-time direct analysis (DART) to liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS), a solvent contained in a sample eluted from liquid chromatography must be rapidly volatilized to make a target into a gas phase. Accordingly, it is necessary to develop an efficient interface for connecting DART to LC/MS.

Matters described in this background art section are prepared to enhance understanding of the background of the invention, and may include matters that are not prior art already known to those skilled in the art to which this technique belongs.

Embodiments of the present invention are intended to provide interfaces of liquid chromatography, ionization devices, and mass spectrometers suitable for applying real-time direct analysis to liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.

Another embodiment of the present invention is to provide a sample analysis method using an interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, liquid chromatography (LC), ionizer, and mass spectrometer (MS) interfaces are provided. A sample containing the target eluted from the liquid chromatography is ionized by an ionizer and introduced into a mass spectrometer. The interface may include a droplet atomizer for converting and spraying a sample including a target eluted in liquid chromatography into a sample droplet form; an inlet tube through which the target is introduced into a mass spectrometer; and an evaporator disposed between the droplet sprayer and the inlet tube to evaporate the solvent included in the sample droplet to generate a gaseous target. The ionizer irradiates a beam on a gaseous target in an inlet tube to ionize the gaseous target introduced into a mass spectrometer through the inlet tube, the evaporator includes a block capable of being heated and formed with at least one opening, A sample droplet sprayed from the sprayer passes through the at least one opening and is generated as a gaseous target, and the generated gaseous target may flow into the inlet tube.

One end of the at least one opening facing the droplet atomizer may be formed as an inclined surface whose diameter decreases along the flow of the sample droplet.

A diameter or length of the at least one opening may be adjustable.

The block may include a plurality of pieces, and the plurality of pieces may be combined with each other to form one block.

The evaporator may further include a housing, and the block may be detachably mounted in the housing so as to cross the flow of the sample droplet.

The diameter of one end of the opening may be 1 mm to 20 mm, the diameter of the other end of the opening may be 0.1 mm to 5 mm, and the length of the opening along the flow of the sample droplet may be 0.5 mm to 100 mm.

The block is heated to a set temperature, and the set temperature may be 50 °C to 500 °C.

The ionizer may be a DART irradiating a helium beam.

The droplet atomizer may be an electric atomizer or a gas atomizer.

A sample analysis method according to another embodiment of the present invention includes separating and eluting a sample including a target of a single component by performing liquid chromatography by liquid chromatography; converting and spraying a sample containing a target eluted from liquid chromatography by a droplet atomizer into a sample droplet form; evaporating the solvent in the sample droplets ejected from the droplet sprayer by means of an evaporator to generate a gaseous target; ionizing the gaseous target by irradiating a beam onto the gaseous target by means of an ionizer; and performing mass analysis of the ionized target by means of a mass spectrometer.

The evaporator may include a housing and a block detachably mounted in the housing so as to intersect with the flow of sample droplets and heated to a set temperature.

The block may include at least one opening, and a sample droplet sprayed by the droplet atomizer may pass through the at least one opening and be generated as a gaseous target, and the generated gaseous target may be introduced into a mass spectrometer through an inlet tube.

One end of the at least one opening facing the droplet atomizer may be formed as an inclined surface whose diameter decreases along the flow of sample droplets.

The ionizer may be a DART that irradiates a helium beam at a gaseous target flowing within an inlet tube.

The sample analysis method may further include adjusting a diameter or length of the opening or a set temperature according to a target.

The diameter of one end of the aperture is 1 mm to 20 mm, the diameter of the other end of the aperture is 0.1 mm to 5 mm, the length of the aperture along the flow of the sample droplet is 0.5 mm to 100 mm, and the set temperature is 50 ° C to 500 ° C. can

According to an embodiment of the present invention, by applying the real-time direct analysis method to a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer, it is possible to effectively detect nonpolar low molecular weight substances and silicon-based compounds that are difficult to detect by conventional LC/MS using other ionization methods.

In addition, various samples can be effectively analyzed by adjusting the diameter and length of the opening formed in the block according to the composition and injection conditions of the sample droplet including the target to be analyzed.

In addition, effects that can be obtained or predicted due to the embodiments of the present invention will be directly or implicitly disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention. That is, various effects expected according to an embodiment of the present invention will be disclosed within the detailed description to be described later.

The embodiments herein may be better understood with reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers indicate the same or functionally similar elements.
1 is a schematic diagram of a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a block according to one example.
3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a block according to another example.
4 is a flowchart of a sample analysis method according to another embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a diagram showing the molecular structure of a material according to Example 1;
6 is a mass spectrum of a material according to Example 1 by a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a diagram showing the molecular structure of a material according to Example 2;
8 is a diagram showing the molecular structure of a material according to Example 3;
9 is a mass spectrum of a material according to Example 2 by a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a mass spectrum of a material according to Example 2 by a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer according to the prior art.
11 is a mass spectrum of a material according to Example 3 by a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a mass spectrum of a material according to Example 3 by a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer according to the prior art.
It should be understood that the drawings referenced above are not necessarily drawn to scale, and present rather simplified representations of various preferred features illustrating the basic principles of the present invention. The specific design features of the present invention, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientation, location, and shape, will be determined in part by the specific intended application and environment of use.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise" and/or "comprising", when used herein, specify the presence of recited features, integers, steps, operations, components and/or components, but It will also be understood that does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, integers, steps, acts, elements, components and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any one or all combinations of the associated listed items.

As used herein, “target” or a term similar thereto refers to an object to be analyzed using a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer.

In this specification, "sample" or similar terms are eluted in liquid chromatography, and include a solvent and a target.

An interface of liquid chromatography (LC), ionizer, and mass spectrometer (MS) according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed between the liquid chromatography and the mass spectrometer, and quickly detects a target included in a sample eluted from the liquid chromatography. It evaporates into a gas phase and helps ionize the gas phase target by the beam irradiated from the ionizer. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an interface suitable for applying a direct analysis method (DART) capable of effectively detecting nonpolar low molecular weight substances and silicon-based compounds to LC/MS. In addition, a sample analysis method according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of rapidly evaporating a target included in a sample eluted from liquid chromatography into a gas phase by using the interface according to the embodiment of the present invention, and beaming the target to the gas phase with DART. ionizing the target by irradiating and introducing the ionized target into a mass spectrometer.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic diagram of a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid chromatography mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid chromatography (5), a droplet atomizer (10), an evaporator (20), an inlet pipe (30), and an ionizer (40). , and a mass spectrometer 50. Here, the droplet atomizer 10, the evaporator 20, and the introduction pipe 30 constitute an interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Liquid chromatography (5) separates a mixture into single components by using the fact that the passage rates of the components included in the mixture are different depending on the affinity for the mobile phase and the stationary phase of the liquid phase. That is, liquid chromatography (5) separates a sample containing a target of a single component present in solution. The type of liquid chromatography 5 is not limited, and various types of liquid chromatography 5 known to those skilled in the art can be used.

A droplet atomizer (10) is disposed downstream of and connected to the liquid chromatography (5). The droplet atomizer 10 injects a sample containing a target of a single component separated by the liquid chromatography 5 into the evaporator 20 in the form of droplets. That is, the droplet atomizer 10 injects the sample droplet X1 into the evaporator 20 . To this end, the droplet atomizer 10 includes a probe 12 and sprays the sample droplet X1 through the probe 12 . The type of droplet atomizer 10 is not limited, but may be an electric atomizer or a gas atomizer in one example. Since the droplet sprayer 10 sprays the sample in the form of sample droplets X1, the solvent included in the sample can be easily evaporated in the evaporator 20. In addition, sheath gas may be additionally used to effectively evaporate the solvent. Usable sheath gas may be, but is not limited to, nitrogen, air, and the like.

The evaporator 20 is disposed downstream of the droplet atomizer 10, receives the sample droplet X1 sprayed through the probe 12, and evaporates the solvent in the sample droplet X1 to a gaseous target including a target ( X2) is created. The evaporator 20 includes a housing 22 and a block 24.

The housing 22 has a hollow shape, and at least a part of one surface thereof is open so that the probe 12 sprays the sample droplet X1 into the housing 22 through the open surface.

A block 24 is disposed inside the housing 22 to cross the housing 22 and divide the housing 22 into two parts. The probe 12 sprays the sample droplets X1 to the first part 22a of the housing 22, and the introduction pipe 30 is connected to the second part 22b of the housing 22. The block 24 is detachably mounted in the housing 22 so as to cross the flow direction of the sample droplet X1, at least one opening 26 is formed, and a heating means (not shown) is installed inside or outside. ) can be heated to the set temperature. Therefore, the sample droplets X1 sprayed onto the first part 22a of the housing 22 are deposited on the surface of the block 24 (including the opening 26) or heated and evaporated while passing through the opening 26, The evaporated gaseous target X2 passes through the opening 26 and moves to the second part 22b of the housing 22 . The gaseous target (X2) moved to the second part (22b) of the housing (22) is supplied to the mass spectrometer (50) through the inlet tube (30).

Block 24 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 .

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a block according to one example, Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a block according to another example.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the block 24 according to one example is integrally formed as one piece. At least one opening 26 is formed in the block 24 . One end of each opening 26 facing the probe 12 is formed with an inclined surface 28 whose diameter decreases along the flow of the sample droplet X1, and the remaining portion of the opening 26 excluding the inclined surface 28 has its diameter this can be constant. That is, the diameter of each opening 26 gradually decreases from one side to the other along the flow of the sample droplet X1 to form an inclined surface 28, and the remaining portion of each opening 26 forms an inclined surface 28. On the other side of the diameter may be constant. By forming the inclined surface 28 at one end of the opening 26 facing the probe 12, the surface area of one end of the opening 26 is increased, whereby the sample droplet X1 ejected from the probe 12 moves through the opening. (26) The probability of entering inside increases. As a result, more sample droplets X1 enter the opening 26 and are heated, whereby rapid and effective evaporation of the sample droplets X1 is possible.

In one example, the diameter D1 of one end of the opening 26 may be 1 mm to 20 mm. If the diameter D1 of one end of the opening 26 is smaller than 1 mm, a sufficient amount of sample droplets X1 cannot enter the opening 26, and if the diameter D1 of one end of the opening 26 is greater than 20 mm, the opening 26 is larger than 20 mm. The sample droplet X1 entering (26) may not be evaporated by the block (24).

The diameter D2 of the other end of the opening 26 may be 0.1 mm to 5 mm. The diameter D2 of the other end of the opening 26 acts as a resistance obstructing the flow of the gaseous target X2. When the diameter D2 of the other end of the opening 26 is less than 0.1 mm, the resistance is too large, and the flow rate of the gaseous target X2 decreases, and when the diameter D2 of the other end of the opening 26 is greater than 5 mm, the resistance is too small and the flow rate of the gaseous target X2 increases excessively. If the flow rate of the gaseous target X2 is high, turbulence may occur and an overlap with a beam irradiated from the ionizer 40 may decrease, resulting in low detection sensitivity. Therefore, by setting the diameter D2 of the other end of the aperture 26 to 0.1 mm to 5 mm, the ionizer 40 can be made in a state suitable for ionizing the target by beam irradiation.

A length L of the opening 26 along the flow of the sample droplet X1 may be 0.5 mm to 100 mm. Similar to the diameter D2 of the other end of the opening 26, the length L of the opening 26 along the flow of the sample droplet X1 acts as a resistance to obstruct the flow of the gaseous target X2. If the length L of the opening 26 along the flow of the sample droplet X1 is smaller than 0.5 mm, the flow rate of the gaseous target X2 may increase, causing turbulence or lowering detection sensitivity. If the length L of the opening 26 along the flow of is greater than 100 mm, the flow rate of the gaseous target X2 may decrease, resulting in low detection sensitivity.

The set temperature of the block 24 may be 50 °C to 500 °C. If the temperature of the block 24 is lower than 50°C, the sample may not evaporate, and if the temperature of the block 24 is higher than 500°C, the molecular structure of the target may be broken.

The diameter D1 of one end of the aperture 26, the diameter D2 of the other end of the aperture 26, the length L of the aperture 26 along the flow of the sample droplet X1, and the temperature of the block 24 Accordingly, the state of the target supplied to the mass spectrometer 50 is changed. Since the state of the target required by the mass spectrometer 50 varies depending on the type of target, the diameter D1 of one end of the aperture 26, the diameter D2 of the other end of the aperture 26, and the diameter of the sample droplet X1 By controlling the length L of the opening 26 along the flow and the temperature of the block 24, various types of targets can be analyzed with one mass spectrometer 50.

As shown in Figure 3, the block 24 according to another example includes a plurality of pieces (24a, 24b, 24c), a plurality of pieces (24a, 24b, 24c) are coupled to each other to form one block (24) form. The first, second, and third pieces 24a, 24b, and 24c include elements constituting at least one opening 26, and when the first, second, and third pieces 24a, 24b, and 24c are combined, the elements are also combined to form a complete opening 26 . For example, the first piece 24a includes the inclined surface 28 of the opening 26, and the second and third pieces 24b and 24c include portions of the opening 26 having a constant diameter. Accordingly, when the first, second, and third pieces 24a, 24b, and 24c are combined, at least one complete opening 26 is formed.

Block 24 according to another example makes it possible to easily adjust the length (L) of the opening 26 according to the type of target. That is, if a plurality of pieces 24a, 24b, and 24c having different specifications (eg, slope, diameter, length, etc.) are prepared, necessary pieces may be assembled and used according to the type of target. Therefore, it is not necessary to manufacture a plurality of blocks 24 according to the type of target.

Referring back to FIG. 1 , the inlet tube 30 is disposed downstream of the evaporator 20 and connects the evaporator 20 , the ionizer 40 , and the mass spectrometer 50 to each other. The inlet tube 30 includes first, second and third conduits 32, 34 and 36.

The first conduit 32 includes both ends, and one end is connected to the evaporator 20, that is, the second part 22b of the housing 22, so that the gaseous target X2 evaporated by the block 24 is the first conduit 32. It is introduced into the inlet tube 30 through the conduit 32.

The second conduit 34 includes both ends, one end connected to the ionizer 40 and the other end connected to the other end of the first conduit 32 . Accordingly, the beam X3 (eg, helium beam) generated by the ionizer 40 is irradiated to the gaseous target X2 flowing through the first and third conduits 32 and 36 to ionize the target. A means for preventing the inflow of the gaseous target X2 and irradiating the beam X3 to the gaseous target X2 may be mounted at the other end of the second conduit 34 .

The third conduit 36 includes both ends, one end connected to the other ends of the first and second conduits 32 and 34 and the other end connected to the mass spectrometer 50 . The gaseous target X2 introduced into the inlet pipe 30 through the first conduit 32 passes through the junctions of the first, second, and third conduits 32, 34, and 36, and is irradiated with a beam to be ionized. It is supplied to the mass spectrometer 50 through the three conduits 36.

The ionizer 40 generates a beam X3 and irradiates it to the gaseous target X2 flowing through the first and third conduits 32 and 36 through the second conduit 34. By this, at least the target included in the gaseous target X2 is ionized. In one example, the ionizer 40 may be a DART and the beam X3 generated by the ionizer 40 may be a helium beam. By using the DART as the ionizer 40, it is possible to ionize non-polar low-molecular-weight materials or silicon-based compounds that are difficult to ionize with other ionization methods. Since the ionizer 40, particularly the DART, is well known to those skilled in the art, further detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

The mass spectrometer 50 is connected to the other end of the third conduit 36 to receive and analyze a sample containing an ionized target. Accordingly, the mass spectrometer 50 may output a mass spectrum of the target. Since the mass spectrometer 50 is well known to those skilled in the art, further detailed description is omitted.

Hereinafter, a sample analysis method using a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 .

4 is a flowchart of a sample analysis method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4 , in step S100, by liquid chromatography (5), liquid chromatography is performed to separate and elute a sample containing a target of a single component.

The sample separated and eluted by the liquid chromatography (5) is converted into a sample droplet (X1) by the droplet atomizer (10), and is converted into a sample droplet (X1) through the probe (12) through the evaporator (20). It is injected into (S110). Here, the droplet atomizer 10 may be an electric atomizer or a gas atomizer. In addition, sheath gas may additionally be used.

The sample droplet X1 injected into the evaporator 20 passes through at least one opening 26 in the block 24 heated to a set temperature and is evaporated to become a gaseous target X2 (S120). As described above, an inclined surface 28 is formed at one end of each opening 26 facing the droplet sprayer 10 so that as many sample droplets X1 sprayed from the droplet sprayer 10 enter the opening 26 as possible. can do. On the other hand, prior to the analysis of the target, appropriate specifications (diameter D1 of one end of the aperture 26, diameter D2 of the other end of the aperture 26), aperture along the flow of the sample droplet X1 ( A block 24 having a length L of 26 and a temperature of block 24, etc.) may be mounted on the housing 22.

The gaseous target X2 evaporated by block 24 is introduced into the first conduit 32 of the inlet tube 30 and travels toward the mass spectrometer 50. At this time, the ionizer 40 irradiates the beam X3 to the gaseous target X2 through the second conduit 34 to ionize the target included in the gaseous target X2 (S130). Here, the ionizer 40 may be a DART, and the beam X3 generated by the ionizer 40 may be a helium beam. By using the DART as the ionizer 40, it is possible to ionize non-polar low-molecular-weight materials or silicon-based compounds that are difficult to ionize with other ionization methods.

In step S140, the ionized target is introduced into the mass spectrometer 50 through the third conduit 36, and mass spectrometry is performed.

Example 1. non-polar low molecular weight substances

5 is a diagram showing the molecular structure of a material according to Example 1;

In Example 1, a material having a molecular structure shown in FIG. 5 was analyzed using a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, an electric atomizer was used as the droplet atomizer 10, a sheath gas was additionally used for effective solvent evaporation, and a DART irradiating a helium beam was used as the ionizer 40. The elemental composition of the material according to Example 1 is C6H3BrFI and the exact mass is 299.8.

6 is a mass spectrum of a material according to Example 1 by a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A mass spectrum of the material according to Example 1 could not be obtained using a conventional liquid chromatography mass spectrometer using APCI as an ionizer. However, when using the liquid chromatography mass spectrometer according to the embodiment of the present invention using DART as the ionizer 40, a clear mass spectrum of the material according to Example 1 could be obtained (see FIG. 6). Here, the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) was found to be 316.8.

Example 2, 3. Silicone-based compound

7 is a view showing the molecular structure of a material according to Example 2, and FIG. 8 is a view showing the molecular structure of a material according to Example 3.

In Examples 2 and 3, materials having molecular structures shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 were analyzed using a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, an electric atomizer was used as the droplet atomizer 10, a sheath gas was additionally used for effective solvent evaporation, and a DART irradiating a helium beam was used as the ionizer 40. The exact mass of the material according to Example 2 is 1224.1, and the exact mass of the material according to Example 3 is 1410.2.

9 is a mass spectrum of a material according to Example 2 by a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a mass spectrum of a material according to Example 2 by a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer according to the prior art. 11 is a mass spectrum of a material according to Example 3 by a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a mass spectrum according to Example 3 by a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer according to the prior art. is the mass spectrum of a substance.

Mass spectra of the materials according to Examples 2 and 3 using a conventional liquid chromatography mass spectrometer using APCI as an ionizer showed peaks at various mass-to-charge ratios (m/z) (see FIGS. 10 and 12). . In contrast, when the liquid chromatography mass spectrometer according to the embodiment of the present invention using DART as the ionizer 40 was used, clean mass spectra of the materials according to Examples 2 and 3 could be obtained (FIGS. 9 and 11 Reference).

As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by providing an interface suitable for applying a real-time direct analysis method to a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer, non-polar low molecular weight substances that are difficult to detect with conventional LC/MS using other ionization methods and It enables effective detection of silicon-based compounds and the like.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and is easily changed from the embodiments of the present invention by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, so that the same It includes all changes within the scope recognized as appropriate.

Claims (15)

In the interface of liquid chromatography (LC), ionizer, and mass spectrometer (MS),
A sample containing the target eluted in the liquid chromatography is ionized by an ionizer and introduced into a mass spectrometer,
The interface is
a droplet atomizer that converts and sprays a sample containing a target eluted in liquid chromatography into sample droplets;
an inlet tube through which the target is introduced into a mass spectrometer; And
an evaporator disposed between the droplet atomizer and the inlet tube to evaporate the solvent included in the sample droplet to generate a gaseous target;
Including,
The ionization device ionizes the gaseous target introduced into the mass spectrometer through the inlet tube by irradiating a beam on the gaseous target in the inlet tube;
The evaporator comprises a block in which at least one opening is formed and which can be heated;
The sample droplet sprayed from the droplet atomizer is generated as a gaseous target while passing through the at least one opening, and the generated gaseous target flows into the inlet pipe. According to claim 1,
One end of the at least one opening facing the droplet atomizer is formed as an inclined surface whose diameter decreases along the flow of the sample droplet. According to claim 1,
wherein the diameter or length of the at least one aperture is adjustable. According to claim 1,
The block includes a plurality of pieces, and the plurality of pieces are combined with each other to form one block. According to claim 4,
The evaporator further includes a housing,
Wherein the block is detachably mounted in the housing so as to intersect the flow of the sample droplet. According to claim 2,
The diameter of one end of the aperture is 1 mm to 20 mm, the diameter of the other end of the aperture is 0.1 mm to 5 mm, and the length of the aperture along the flow of the sample droplet is 0.5 mm to 100 mm. According to claim 1,
The block is heated to a set temperature,
The set temperature is 50 ℃ ~ 500 ℃ interface. According to claim 1,
The ionization device is a DART interface that irradiates a helium beam. Separating and eluting a sample containing a target of a single component by performing liquid chromatography by liquid chromatography;
converting and spraying a sample containing a target eluted from liquid chromatography by a droplet atomizer into a sample droplet form;
evaporating the solvent in the sample droplets ejected from the droplet sprayer by means of an evaporator to generate a gaseous target;
ionizing the gaseous target by irradiating a beam onto the gaseous target by means of an ionizer; And
performing mass analysis of the ionized target by means of a mass spectrometer;
Sample analysis method comprising a. According to claim 9,
The sample analysis method of claim 1 , wherein the evaporator includes a housing and a block detachably mounted in the housing so as to intersect with a flow of sample droplets and heated to a set temperature. According to claim 10,
the block includes at least one opening;
A sample analysis method in which sample droplets sprayed by the droplet atomizer pass through at least one opening and are generated as a gaseous target, and the generated gaseous target is introduced into a mass spectrometer through an inlet pipe. According to claim 11,
The sample analysis method of claim 1 , wherein one end of the at least one opening toward the droplet atomizer is formed as an inclined surface whose diameter decreases along the flow of the sample droplet. According to claim 11,
The sample analysis method of claim 1, wherein the ionizer is a DART that irradiates a helium beam to a gaseous target flowing in the inlet tube. According to claim 10,
The sample analysis method further comprising adjusting the diameter or length of the opening or the set temperature according to the target. According to claim 14,
The diameter of one end of the aperture is 1 mm to 20 mm, the diameter of the other end of the aperture is 0.1 mm to 5 mm, the length of the aperture along the flow of the sample droplet is 0.5 mm to 100 mm, and the set temperature is 50 ° C to 500 ° C. Sample analysis method.

Images