Ionization Techniques and Interfaces for Coupling of Capillary Electromigration Methods with Mass Spectrometry Detection

Abstract

The article presents a review of the ionization techniques and interfaces applied for on-line or off-line coupling of capillary electromigration methods, especially capillary zone electrophoresis and micellar electrokinetic chromatography, with mass spectrometry detection. Principles of the soft ionization techniques, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization, atmospheric pressure photo ionization, electrospray ionization, desorption electrospray ionization, direct analysis in real time and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization are briefly described. Construction designs of three main types of interfaces for hyphenation of capillary electrophoresis with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry detection (sheathless, liquid junction and sheath flow) are presented.