Choosing the Correct Ionisation Technique for Successful Mass Spectrometry Experiments

Selecting the right ionisation technique is a foundational step in any MS workflow. With no universal method, analysts must consider analyte properties and application goals to make informed choices. A misstep here can lead to poor sensitivity, incorrect identification, and inconsistent data.

In this session, you’ll receive a comparative overview of key ionisation methods—including Electron Ionisation (EI), Electrospray Ionisation (ESI), Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionisation (APCI), and Chemical Ionisation (CI). Discover the strengths and limitations of each approach, explore real-world case examples, and gain practical knowledge on aligning ionisation strategies with specific analytical challenges.

Plus, with an extensive Q&A session, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and gain deeper insights from our expert.

By attending this session, you will:

• Compare EI, ESI, APCI, and CI techniques to understand when and why to use each one.
• Learn how analyte characteristics like polarity, volatility, and thermal stability influence method choice.
• Explore real-world applications that highlight the impact of ionisation strategy on data quality and interpretation.
• Have the opportunity to ask our expert about your unique challenges

Presenter: Emeritus Professor John Langley 

Emeritus Professor John Langley is a leading authority in Mass Spectrometry and Chromatography. His pioneering research delves into complex systems, harnessing cutting-edge techniques to push the boundaries of scientific discovery.

John has held prestigious leadership positions, including Past President of the International Mass Spectrometry Foundation and Chair of the Separation Science Group of the Royal Society of Chemistry, shaping the field through innovation and collaboration. As an Editor for Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, he continues to influence the advances in analytical chemistry.

John has over 140 peer-reviewed publications, an H-index of 35, and contributions to more than 30 leading scientific journals, underscoring the interdisciplinary impact of his work. His ability to integrate separation science and mass spectrometry has earned him a unique distinction—he is the only person to have chaired both the British Mass Spectrometry Society and the Royal Society of Chemistry Separation Science Group.

John's mastery of hyphenated approaches is widely recognised, earning him both the Chromatographic Society Jubilee Medal (2024) and the British Mass Spectrometry Society Medal (2021), another unique dual achievement in the field. His research spans chemistry, chemical biology, and oilfield chemistry, tackling intricate challenges and pioneering new analytical frontiers through techniques such as GC-MS, GC×GC-MS, HPLC-MS, LC×LC-IMS-MS, MS/MS, SFC-MS, and SFC-FID.