Surface ionization ion mobility spectrometry.

A surface ionization (SI) source was designed and constructed for ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). Compared with a conventional (63)Ni source, the surface ionization source is as simple and reliable, has an extended dynamic response range, is more selective in response, and does not have regulatory problems associated with radioactive ionization sources. The performance of this SI-IMS was evaluated with several different classes of compounds. Triethylamine was employed for studying the behavior of the ionization source under different source conditions and gaseous environments. Amines, tobacco alkaloids, and triazine herbicides were also investigated. Picogram level detection limits were achieved for target compounds with a response dynamic range of 5 orders of magnitude. Selective monitoring by IMS was also demonstrated. While the surface ionization source does not have the universality of response that is obtained with a (63)Ni ionization source, it is an excellent nonradioactive alternative for the ionization and ion mobility detection of those compounds to which it responds.