Development of an Atmospheric‐Pressure Photoionization Source for VOC Detection With a Miniature High‐Pressure Mass Spectrometer

Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry 2026 Open access

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Authors: Alan M. Rowland, Stephen E. Smith, E. F. Vandergriff, Arturo Rodriguez, David P. Lewis, Kevin P. Schultze, William M. Gilliland
DOI: 10.1002/rcm.70050
Cited by: 1
References: 38

Abstract

With the goal of sensitive, selective, targeted, and portable VOC quantification, an atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) source was developed for a miniature high pressure mass spectrometer, the MX908. The APPI source consists of a VUV lamp that was encased in a custom 3D-printed apparatus. Using m-xylene as the testing standard, the effects of pressure, axial RF voltage, aperture voltage, and humidity on the instrument were investigated and optimized. Operating at 0.8 Torr with ambient air as the buffer gas, the instrument showed linearity from 25 to 500 ppbV for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and m-xylene without preconcentration.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Atmospheric chemistry and aerosols Advanced Chemical Sensor Technologies Spectroscopy and Laser Applications

Publication details

Journal / source
Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
40
Issue
9
Pages
e70050–e70050
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN