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==How it Works== | ==How it Works== | ||
As a process, the literature segregates the electrospray event into a series of 3 unique phases:<ref name="Theory">Rohner TC, Lion N, Girault HH. 2004. Electrochemical and theoretical aspects of electrospray ionisation. Phys Chem Chem Phys 6:3056-3068.</ref> | |||
# Onset and Emission | |||
# Droplet Fission | |||
# Ion Evaporation | |||
Below, each of these steps will be discussed on an individual basis, and the mechanical and electrochemical factors that come into play will be described. | |||
===Onset and Emission=== | |||
===Droplet Fission=== | |||
===Ion Evaporation=== | |||
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Describe the nitty gritty physics behind the electrospray process. Such a discussion, from what I have read so far, will have to include an introduction to the basics like ion formation, electric potentials, and surface tension, then progress from these to describe the three main steps (Droplet formation, droplet shrinkage, gaseous ion formation) as identified in [http://www.wiley.com/legacy/wileychi/ms/articles/677_a.pdf 1]. Depending upon time constraints, etc., this theory section may be expanded to describe phenomena resulting from usage of electrospray, such as microencapsulation and its use in facilitating DNA entry through the cell membrane in gene therapy. | Describe the nitty gritty physics behind the electrospray process. Such a discussion, from what I have read so far, will have to include an introduction to the basics like ion formation, electric potentials, and surface tension, then progress from these to describe the three main steps (Droplet formation, droplet shrinkage, gaseous ion formation) as identified in [http://www.wiley.com/legacy/wileychi/ms/articles/677_a.pdf 1]. Depending upon time constraints, etc., this theory section may be expanded to describe phenomena resulting from usage of electrospray, such as microencapsulation and its use in facilitating DNA entry through the cell membrane in gene therapy. | ||
Revision as of 23:12, 23 March 2008
Introduction
Electrospray is a phenomenon that results from the application of an electric field to fluid contained in a small capillary. The driving electrostatic force incites the emission of droplets that cycle through phases of evaporation and coulombic explosion, ideally resulting in the formation of gas-phase ions or a very fine liquid aerosol. Though this technique has found widespread use in the area of mass spectrometry, it has also been documented to function in a wide range of other applications such as industrial painting, particle deposition, and gene therapy.
This wide array of modern uses, however, belies the fact that the basic science behind electrospray is anything but new. Indeed, it can trace its origins all the way back to Lord Rayleigh's article, "On the equilibrium of liquid conducting masses charged with electricity" published in 1882.[1] A little over 30 years thereafter, John Zeleny became the first man to witness an electrospray event, and subsequently published his observations in "The electrical discharge from liquid points, and a hydrostatic method of measuring the electric intensity at their surfaces."[1] Since then, continuing research by Taylor, Fenn, Dole, and a number of other researchers have continued to push forward science's understanding and range of applications for electrospray.[1],[2]
How it Works
As a process, the literature segregates the electrospray event into a series of 3 unique phases:[3]
- Onset and Emission
- Droplet Fission
- Ion Evaporation
Below, each of these steps will be discussed on an individual basis, and the mechanical and electrochemical factors that come into play will be described.
Onset and Emission
Droplet Fission
Ion Evaporation
Making Electrospray a Reality
Material Requirements
Tools
Construction
Operation
Working and Innovating with Electrospray
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Salata OV. 2005. Tools of nanotechnology: electrospray. Curr Nanosci 1(1): 25-33.
- ↑ Gaskell SJ. 1997. Electrospray: principles and practice. J Mass Spectrom 32:677-688.
- ↑ Rohner TC, Lion N, Girault HH. 2004. Electrochemical and theoretical aspects of electrospray ionisation. Phys Chem Chem Phys 6:3056-3068.