GC-MS Ionization

An introduction to the ionization processes which occur in GC-MS. Ionization is the process whereby electrons are either removed or added to atoms or molecules to produce ions. In GC-MS, charge may also be applied to the molecule via association with other charged molecules. Such ions are produced in the GC-MS systems by the use of strong electric fields in the vapor phase.

Topics include:

• Ionization
• Suitable samples for GC-MS
• Electron ionization (EI)
• Chemical ionization (CI)
• Ion source components