Direct analysis of organics contained in aqueous solutions by membrane interface: A dedicated electron impact ion source

Abstract

Traces of p-cresol, 2-methyl-2-pentanol and trichloroethylene in aqueous solution have been detected using a silicone membrane source adapted for a VG ZAB-2F instrument. With these solutions, flowing through a silicone capillary placed few millimetres from the main electron beam, a qualitative and quantitative analysis in the ppm range has been achieved. The influence of the main instrumental factors (solution temperature, analyte concentration, flows and different substances) has been widely studied, leading to a clear parameterization of this source.