Implementation and characterization of an RF ion funnel ion guide as a proton transfer reaction chamber

A radio frequency ion funnel reaction chamber is applied for use with a proton transfer reaction ion trap mass spectrometer (PIT-MS). The improvement in sensitivity over our dc-only drift tube ranged from 7.2 x for isoprene to 65 x for benzene. The ideal settings of the ion funnel are found to be a dc voltage of 60 V, RF voltage of 240 V and a pressure of 1.80 mbar. An experimental and theoretical investigation of the ion funnel is presented. Simulations using SIMION and experimental measurements of the m/z dependent transmission of the ion funnel are performed, as well as simulations of the trajectories of ions and their survival probability. These are used to deduce a greater understanding of the operation of the ion funnel and the sensitivity improvements. The funnel is shown to favor transmission of higher m/z, and to increase sensitivity by a combined effect of focusing and increased effective reaction time. The product ions of an example set of compounds are measured systematically and the reagent ion branching profiles studied and compared to ion trap fragmentations. This represents an important undertaking in the characterization studies of ion funnel technology for use in PTR-MS. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.