On the development of a new prototype PTR-ToF-MS instrument and its application to the detection of atmospheric amines

Abstract. We herein report on the development of a new prototype PTR-ToF-MS (proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry) instrument that combines hollow cathode glow discharge (HCGD) ion source with focusing ion–molecule reactor (FIMR), which consists resistive glass drift tube surrounded by quadrupole rods. The configuration hybridizes two main current commercial designs. provide detailed technical description analyzer and its optimized operational settings for detecting volatile amines via proton transfer reactions from hydronium (H3O+) or ammonium (NH4+) ions. show is capable monitoring rapid changes sticky timescale few seconds detects atmospheric variations down to single-digit parts per trillion volume (pptv) levels. Application examples given include real-time (i) methylamine emitted Chenopodium vulvaria L. plant, (ii) small alkylamines in ambient air site an agricultural research center (Senter husdyrforsøk, Ås, Norway), (iii) industrial amine (2-amino-2-methylpropan-1-ol, AMP) downwind carbon dioxide (CO2) capture test (Technology Centre Mongstad – TCM, Mongstad, Norway).