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 a hollow cathode glow discharge (HCGD) ion source with a focusing ion–molecule reactor (FIMR), which consists of a resistive glass drift tube surrounded by quadrupole rods. The new instrument configuration hybridizes the two main current commercial PTR-ToF-MS instrument designs. We provide a detailed technical description of the new analyzer and its optimized operational settings for detecting volatile amines via proton transfer reactions from hydronium (H3O+) or ammonium (NH4+) ions. We show that the new prototype PTR-ToF-MS instrument is capable of monitoring rapid changes of sticky amines on the timescale of a few seconds and detects atmospheric variations of amines down to single-digit parts per trillion by volume (pptv) levels. Application examples given include the real-time monitoring of (i) methylamine emitted from a Chenopodium vulvaria L. plant, (ii) small alkylamines in ambient air on site of an agricultural research center (Senter for husdyrforsøk, Ås, Norway), and (iii) an industrial amine (2-amino-2-methylpropan-1-ol, AMP) on site and downwind of a carbon dioxide (CO2) capture test center (Technology Centre Mongstad – TCM, Mongstad, Norway).
<p>In recent years there has been growing scientific interest in agricultural emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their potential effects on air quality and the biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nitrogen. Among the many VOCs emitted, amines are particularly challenging to measure with currently available instruments.</p><p>In light of these analytical challenges, the Atmospheric Chemistry Group at the Department of Chemistry of the University of Oslo has developed a novel analytical instrument for the detection of atmospheric amines. The instrument is a modified version of a commercial Proton-Transfer-Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS). After modification, this instrument has proven able to detect atmospheric amines down to single-digit-ppt levels. This instrument also benefits from a very short response time, which makes it possible to monitor rapid dynamic changes of amine concentrations in the atmosphere.</p><p>The novel instrument was deployed at the Livestock Production Research Centre (SHF) of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) in &#197;s (Norway) for characterizing agricultural emissions of VOCs in general, and of amines in particular.</p><p>Data analysis has so far revealed a very complex VOC emission pattern. Methylamine, trimethylamine and skatole were among the atmospheric amines detected in the ambient air in proximity of the facility. In addition to the field measurements, we also carried out laboratory experiments for analyzing VOCs in the dynamic headspace of different source materials (manure, animal feed, straw litter, etc.).</p><p>We will present the new instrument and preliminary data collected from this measurement campaign. &#160;&#160;</p>
Abstract. We herein report on the development of a new prototype PTR-ToF-MS instrument that combines a hollow cathode glow discharge (HCGD) ion source with a focusing ion-molecule reactor (FIMR), which consists of a resistive glass drift tube surrounded by quadrupole rods. The new instrument configuration hybridizes the two main current commercial PTR-ToF-MS instrument designs. We provide a detailed technical description of the new analyzer and its optimized operational settings for detecting volatile amines via proton transfer reactions from hydronium (H3O+) or ammonium (NH4+) ions. We show that the new prototype PTR-ToF-MS instrument is capable of monitoring rapid changes of sticky amines on the timescale of a few seconds and detects atmospheric variations of amines down to single digit pptV levels. Application examples given include the real-time monitoring of i) methylamine emitted from a Chenopodium vulvaria L. plant, ii) small alkylamines in ambient air on site of an agricultural research center (Senter for husdyrforsøk, Ås, Norway), and iii) an industrial amine (2-amino-2-methylpropan-1-ol, AMP) on site and downwind of a carbon dioxide (CO2) capture test center (Technology Centre Mongstad – TCM, Mongstad, Norway).
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.