Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance

Chromatography

Nuclear magnetic resonance

Computer science

Resolution (logic)

Physics

Artificial intelligence

Analytical Chemistry (journal)

Mass spectrometry

Chemistry

Electrospray

Analytical Chemistry

In this study, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS), combined with quadrupolar detection (QPD), was applied for online liquid chromatography (LC) MS analysis of natural organic matter (NOM). Although FT-ICR MS has emerged as an important analytical technique to study NOM, there are few previous reports on online LC FT-ICR MS analysis of NOM due to the long acquisition time (2-8 s) required to obtain high-resolution mass spectra. The QPD technique provides a critical advantage over the conventional dipolar detection (DPD) technique for LC-MS analysis because a spectrum with the same resolving power can be obtained in approximately half the acquisition time. QPD FT-ICR MS provides resolving powers ( mΔm50% ) of ∼300000 and 170000 at m/ z 400 with acquisition times per scan of 1.2 and 0.8 s, respectively. The reduced acquisition time per scan allows increased number of acquisitions in a given LC analysis time, resulting in improved signal to noise ( S/ N) ratio and dynamic range in comparison to conventional methods. For example, 40% and 100% increases in the number of detected peaks were obtained with LC QPD FT-ICR MS, in comparison to conventional LC DPD FT-ICR MS and direct-injection FT-ICR MS. It is also possible to perform more quantitative comparison and molecular level investigation of NOMs with 2 μg of a NOM sample. The data presented herein demonstrate a proof of principle that QPD combined with LC FT-ICR MS is a sensitive analytical technique that can provide comprehensive information about NOM.

Application of Online Liquid Chromatography 7 T FT-ICR Mass Spectrometer Equipped with Quadrupolar Detection for Analysis of Natural Organic Matter