Investigation of Conditions for Ion Containment in a Portable Ion Mobility Spectrometer
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Chemistry (Area)
Minor
Mathematics
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
2nd Student Major
Chemistry
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Caleb Morris, PhD.
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Portable spectrometers are utilized to address a variety of analytical challenges from the detection of hazardous materials to the identification of drugs and explosives. The design constraints on such devices hinder many traditional means of improving detection limits and separation capability. This can result in false positives and limit applicability of such devices. Recent advances in ion mobility spectrometry have generated considerable interest due to improved separation and identification of compounds in complex mixtures. Unfortunately, many of these improvements are achieved through an increased size of the drift region, up to 13 meters in length. However, one improvement, trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS), is considered here for application in a portable spectrometer. Due to trapping the ions during separation, the TIMS device can increase resolution without lengthening the drift cell. Unfortunately, a traditional TIMS electrode design uses large, heavy electrodes and high-volume gas flows that are not ideal for the constraints found in portable device design. These investigations model gas flow in a small mobility cell chamber in an effort to achieve gas conditions suitable for portable instrumentation. With these chamber conditions, ion containment is simulated with SIMION software using lightweight electrode designs utilizing printed circuit board electrodes. The results give insight into the potential applicability of TIMS to portable ion mobility spectrometers.
Fall Scholars Week 2023 Event
Earth and Environment Sciences Poster Session
Investigation of Conditions for Ion Containment in a Portable Ion Mobility Spectrometer
Portable spectrometers are utilized to address a variety of analytical challenges from the detection of hazardous materials to the identification of drugs and explosives. The design constraints on such devices hinder many traditional means of improving detection limits and separation capability. This can result in false positives and limit applicability of such devices. Recent advances in ion mobility spectrometry have generated considerable interest due to improved separation and identification of compounds in complex mixtures. Unfortunately, many of these improvements are achieved through an increased size of the drift region, up to 13 meters in length. However, one improvement, trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS), is considered here for application in a portable spectrometer. Due to trapping the ions during separation, the TIMS device can increase resolution without lengthening the drift cell. Unfortunately, a traditional TIMS electrode design uses large, heavy electrodes and high-volume gas flows that are not ideal for the constraints found in portable device design. These investigations model gas flow in a small mobility cell chamber in an effort to achieve gas conditions suitable for portable instrumentation. With these chamber conditions, ion containment is simulated with SIMION software using lightweight electrode designs utilizing printed circuit board electrodes. The results give insight into the potential applicability of TIMS to portable ion mobility spectrometers.