Ion mobility-Q-TOF mass spectrometer

• Subject Area: Molecular Chemistry
• Term: Funded in 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 456846818

We submit the application for the acquisition of an ion mobility-quadrupole-time-of-flight (IMS-Q-TOF) mass spectrometer that is to be equipped with ion sources for electrospray ionization (ESI), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI), and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (ACPI). In addition, the new instrument is going to be operated in combination with a source for direct analysis in real time (DART) that is already in use in our MS laboratory. The DART source can quickly be attached by use of a simple mechanical adapter.The new instrument will complement the equipment of the MS laboratory by adding the analytical dimension of ion mobility separation. It is intended to partially cover the share of samples that is currently being done using the existing instrument, in particular those samples that do not require ultrahigh mass resolving power. The alternating use of ESI, MALDI and DART on a single mass spectrometer are proven routine in operation of our FT-ICR instrument. Ion mobility separation will enable us to explore new analytical challenges as, for example, the study of the three-dimensional structure of catenated macromolecular cages. Furthermore, IMS delivers a fast and efficient tool for the separation of simple mixtures.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Ionenmobilitäts-Q-TOF Massenspektrometer
• Instrumentation Group: 1700 Massenspektrometer
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Leader: Professor Dr. Michael Mastalerz