Analysis of Aluminum Foil Using the Multi-Purpose Ion Source “ChemZo”
The multi-purpose ion source “ChemZo” is an innovative ion source that enables direct analysis of liquids and solids, as well as real-time analysis of gases, using a single device—capabilities that were previously difficult to achieve. For liquids and solids, direct measurement is possible without the need for pretreatment, such as dilution or solvent extraction, thanks to the temperature gradient device. For real-time gas analysis, applications include measurements of retronasal aromas. All collected data can be easily analyzed using the integrated software “Spectra Scope.”
Main Features of Spectra Scope:
• Material Database: “Compound Search”
• Polymer Analysis Tool: “Polymer Engine”
• Differential Analysis Tool: “IDS: Intelligent Data Subtraction”
• Retronasal Aroma Analysis Tool: “Retronasal Plus”
Purpose
Using the temperature gradient mode of the ChemZo ion source, two types of aluminum foil (standard and silicone-coated foil) were measured with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer as the detector.
Methods
| Ion Source | ChemZo (BioChromato) |
| Mass Spectrometer | compact QTOF (Bruker) |
| Measurement Method | Approximately 5 mg of aluminum foil was cut and introduced into the POT L. Measurements were conducted using mass spectrometer while the temperature was increased from room temperature to 600°C. (Red: standard foil; Blue: silicone-coated foil) |
| Data Processing | The mass spectra around the 5–6 minute region were examined using the Polymer Engine tool. |
Results
Fig. 3 shows the TICs of the two types of aluminum foil. The silicon-coated foil exhibited a peak around the 5–6 minute range, likely corresponding to a thermal degradation product. A Polymer Engine search identified this as dimethylpolysiloxane (C₂H₆SiO).
While it is typically challenging to directly identify repeating structures and monomer types from mass spectra, the Polymer Engine automatically detects monomers and repeating structures from its registered monomer database. (Figs. 4, 5)
The entire process of measurement and analysis using ChemZo and Spectra Scope can be completed in approximately 10 minutes.
