On the potential of ion mobility spectrometry coupled to GC pre-separation – A tutorial

In this tutorial, we want to demonstrate the significant potential of ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), an analytical technique for identification and quantification of gas-phase compounds, in particular combined to other useful analytical tools. Coupled to gas-chromatographic pre-separation (GC-IMS), selectivity can be improved significantly, thus enabling the analysis of complex, humid mixtures. In-line pre-concentration can improve sensitivity down to the ppqV range. Furthermore, the use of non-radioactive ionisation sources in the near future could gain acceptance and will avoid legal restrictions. Hence, with suitable and controlled sampling, implementation of appropriate substance and pattern databases and data evaluation software, GC-IMS as rapid, selective and sensitive analytical tool has shown its high potential for many applications in process and quality control, medicine (diagnostics, medication and therapy control), biology, safety and security. In the present tutorial, we want to demonstrate this capacity on behalf of examples from the application fields mentioned above, with particular focus on controlled sampling, pre-concentration and pre-separation as well as on data treatment and interpretation.