Recent Developments in Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass Spectrometry Leading to New Fields of Application (e.g. Illicit and Designer Drugs Detection)

摘要

The discussed results show that the recent technical advancements open further fields of application for PTR-MS. With the high sensitivity and the high time resolution of the PTR technology and the high mass resolution of TOF mass spectrometers, PTR-MS is predestined for being used in security areas, such as in airports, at harbours and other critical infrastructure as well as for customs, police forces, etc. As the proof of principle for all classes of illicit and dangerous substances (explosives [5], CWAs [7], drugs [11]) now is completed the next step will be the development of suitable sampling devices for the efficient introduction of substance traces into the instrument.