All Case Studies

Environmental Research

The benchmark method for fast, quantitative and ultra-sensitive analysis of almost the entire range of atmospheric organics. PTR-MS is used in a wide range of applications in environmental research.

Introduction:

Robust and reliable technology for sampling of atmospheric volatile organic compounds at ultra low trace levels (single-digit pptV and below).
H₃O⁺ primary reagent ions quantitatively ionize almost the entire range of non-methane organics in the atmosphere.
PTR-TOFMS allows for a targeted (e.g. monitoring of aromatic species) and untargeted analysis (e.g. analysis of oxidation products) of your sample on a molecular composition level.
Analyze even the stickiest compounds (e.g. PAHs or highly oxidized compounds) with our EVR option.
Additional acquisition modes enhance the selectivity of your measurements. These include a separation of isomers by fastGC or the use of alternative reagent ions like NO⁺and NH₄⁺.
Expand the capability of your PTR-TOFMS from the gas-phase to the particle phase with our genuine CHARON particle inlet.

Applications

Emission studies

Emission studies probably reflect one of the broadest ranges of applications for PTR-MS. These studies have in common that they often require a high dynamic range for the detection of VOCs from sub-pptV concentrations up to ppmV levels. PTR-MS easily covers this range! Typical emission studies include:

Urban emissions: Müller et al. 2017
Biogenic emissions: Ruuskanen et al. 2011
Biomass burning emissions: Stockwell et al. 2015
Oil and gas emissions: Halliday et al. 2013
Agricultural emissions: Sun et al. 2015
Marine emissions: Sanchez et al., 2018

Reaction kinetics studies

PTR-MS is the ideal analytical equipment to understand the reaction kinetics occurring in the atmosphere. H₃O⁺ mode allows to quantitatively following the photo-chemical decay of parent molecules and the rise of primary products. The even softer A.NH₄⁺ mode is optimal to characterize further oxidized products including esters and peroxides. Reaction kinetics studies include:

Laboratory experiments: Müller et al. 2012
Directly in the atmosphere: Müller et al. 2016

Measurements on mobile platforms

PTR-MS is a very robust technology that allows to be deployed in/on mobile platforms. Have a look at the dedicated mobile VOC monitor PTR-TOF QB or contact IONICON for customized mobile solutions. Possible platforms include: