High Irradiance Laser Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Direct Speciation of Iron Oxides

A novel method has been developed that allows the direct speciation analysis of iron oxides based on a modified laser ionization orthogonal time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Time resolved mass spectra were acquired for the investigation of elemental ions and oxide ions generated by a laser ionization source. Speciation methodologies, including the identification of characteristic ions and the use of ion abundance ratios were evaluated for the differentiation of the oxides. The influence of operating parameters on the distribution of cluster ions was investigated, and their mechanism of formation discussed