Review and prospect on portable mass spectrometer for recent applications

With the rapid growth of science and technology, portable mass spectrometers have become an essential part of analytical instruments for research. In view of this, this article reviews the miniaturization process and application of four types of mass spectrometers, including magnetic sector mass spectrometer, time-of-flight mass spectrometer, quadrupole mass spectrometer and ion trap mass spectrometer. These spectrometers have characteristics of compact and firm structure, small size and easy operation. In addition, several ion sources and detectors suitable for portable mass spectrometers are briefly introduced. Finally, the research of portable mass spectrometers is presented to provide recommendations for future designs. • In the past years, the application of portable mass spectrometer is reviewed. • The further development trend of portable mass spectrometer is presented. • New technologies helpful to the miniaturization of mass spectrometer are provided.