Tömegspektrometria

Tömegspektrometria, also known as mass spectrometry (MS), is an analytical technique that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. It is widely used in various fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, and material science to identify and quantify substances.

The process begins with the ionization of sample molecules, which are then accelerated by an electric field. The ions are separated based on their mass-to-charge ratio in a mass analyzer, which can be a quadrupole, ion trap, or time-of-flight device. The separated ions are then detected, and the resulting spectrum is analyzed to determine the mass and abundance of the ions.

Tömegspektrometria has several applications, including:

1. **Elemental Analysis**: Determining the elemental composition of a sample.

2. **Isotopic Analysis**: Studying the distribution of isotopes within a sample.

3. **Structural Analysis**: Elucidating the structure of molecules and compounds.

4. **Quantification**: Measuring the amount of a specific substance in a sample.

The technique offers high sensitivity and specificity, making it suitable for trace analysis and the study of complex mixtures. However, it requires sample preparation, such as derivatization or matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI), to enhance ionization efficiency.

Tömegspektrometria has evolved significantly over the years, with advancements in instrumentation and data analysis techniques improving its performance and applications. It is an essential tool in modern analytical chemistry, enabling researchers to gain insights into the composition and structure of various materials.