Molecular ionization from carbon nanotube paper

Ambient ionization is achieved by spraying from a carbon nanotube (CNT)-impregnated paper surface under the influence of small voltages (≥3 V). Organic molecules give simple high-quality mass spectra without fragmentation in the positive or negative ion modes. Conventional field ionization is ruled out, and it appears that field emission of microdroplets occurs. Microscopic examination of the CNT paper confirms that the nanoscale features at the paper surface are responsible for the high electric fields. Raman spectra imply substantial current flows in the nanotubes. The performance of this analytical method was demonstrated for a range of volatile and nonvolatile compounds and a variety of matrices. Low voltage: A carbon-nanotube-impregnated paper can be used to generate ions from organic molecules at potentials as low as 3 V. Common pesticides from the surface of an orange, ingredients of tablets, and a variety of analytes, such as amino acids, were characterized by this method. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.