Source and Probe to Enable Atmospheric Pressure Photon Ionization (APPI) Mass Spectrometry and the Mass Spectral Analysis of Solids

Mass spectrometry is a technique that many scientists use to analyze compounds and complexes so that the materials can be identified. As new materials are designed and prepared, more capable techniques are required to identify them. Towards this goal, the ever-maturing mass spectrometry field provides improved modes of analysis, and requires state of the art equipment.Funds are requested for a solids probe and atmospheric pressure photon ionization (APPI) source to fit into our existing MicroTOF (time-of-flight) mass spectrometer that is capable of acquiring high-resolution data. The requested equipment will enable the analysis of solid samples, dramatically advancing the research capacity of scientists at Dalhousie, across the Maritimes and beyond. Furthermore, APPI will enable the analysis of samples up to a mass range of m/z 5000, significantly augmenting our current capacity to analyze non-polar liquids and solids.This equipment will allow more than 100 research trainees at 13 institutions in 5 provinces (based on usage data over the past 12 months) to learn how to use modern mass spectrometry equipment to further research goals in areas such as improved solar cells (energy harvesting) and more effective ways of building pharmaceutical drugs and biomarkers for health. With many mass spectrometer users at Dalhousie focusing on research projects with direct applications in sustainable materials and health, the requested equipment will enable trainees and research teams to enhance their contributions to these strategic and valuable themes.