Electrohydrodynamics and ion chemistry in electrospray and nanospray ionization

乔治华盛顿大学的Akos Vertes教授得到了分析和表面化学项目的支持，通过液体中分子的电喷雾电离（ESI）研究用于质谱表征的离子的形成。ESI是一种重要的表征工具，适用于广泛的生物和其他应用，所有这些应用都可以从更好地了解基础过程中受益。 Vertes博士和他的团队将研究ESI系统的几何结构对喷雾稳定性和离子化学的影响。 他们还将评估喷雾的激光激发作为提高离子产率和改变所产生离子的化学性质的一种手段，以及激光烧蚀和喷雾羽流的组合，以提高大气压下高质量离子的离子产率。 带电液滴/带电湿表面碰撞的分子动力学模型也计划探索所涉及的过程。该项目的教育方面与本科生和研究生直接参与科学探究过程密切相关。 从事该项目的学生获得现代技术技能，并学习如何在地方和国家会议上展示他们的发现。 Vertes博士在课堂环境中使用网络质谱仪，以扩大学生的准备。这种方法的优点包括第一手的学生经验与复杂的仪器从教室和更好地利用现有的分析设备。

Professor Akos Vertes at the George Washington University is supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program to study the formation of ions for mass spectrometric characterization by electrospray ionization (ESI) of molecules in liquids. ESI is an important characterization tool for a wide range of biological and other applications, all of which can benefit from better understanding of the underlying processes. Dr. Vertes and his group will study effects of the geometry of ESI systems on spray stability and ion chemistry. They will also evaluate laser excitation of the spray as a means to improve ion yields and to alter the chemistry of the ions produced, and the combination of laser ablation and spray plumes for enhanced atmospheric pressure ion yields of high mass ions. Molecular dynamics modeling of charged droplet/charged wet surface collisions is also planned to probe the processes involved.The educational aspect of the project is closely tied to the direct involvement of undergraduate and graduate students in the process of scientific inquiry. Students who work on the project acquire modern technical skills and learn how to present their findings at local and national meetings. Cyber-enabled mass spectrometers are used by Dr. Vertes in a classroom setting to broaden the preparation of students. Advantages of this approach include first-hand student experience with sophisticated instrumentation from the classroom and better utilization of the available analytical equipment.