Ion Mobility Spectrometry in Analytical Chemistry

Abstract Recent literature relevant to the role of ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) in analytical chemistry is discussed. Included are sections dealing with instrumentation, spectral collection techniques, the theory of ion mobility in gases, and the dynamics of atmospheric pressure ionization. The pros and cons of radioactive ionization, photoionization, laser ionization, surface ionization, and electrofied spray ionization are considered. Analytical applications are separated into the use of IMS as a stand-alone spectrometer, and the use of IMS as a detector following gas, liquid, and supercritical fluid chromatography.