New Processes for Ionizing Nonvolatile Compounds in Mass Spectrometry: The Road of Discovery to Current State-of-the-Art

This Perspective covers discovery and mechanistic aspects as well as initial applications of novel ionization processes for use in mass spectrometry that guided us in a series of subsequent discoveries, instrument developments, and commercialization. Vacuum matrix-assisted ionization on an intermediate pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization source without the use of a laser, high voltages, or any other added energy was simply unbelievable, at first. Individually and as a whole, the various discoveries and inventions started to paint, inter alia, an exciting new picture and outlook in mass spectrometry from which key developments grew that were at the time unimaginable, and continue to surprise us in its simplistic preeminence. We, and others, have demonstrated exceptional analytical utility. Our current research is focused on how best to understand, improve, and use these novel ionization processes through dedicated platforms and source developments. These ionization processes convert volatile and nonvolatile compounds from solid or liquid matrixes into gas-phase ions for analysis by mass spectrometry using, e.g., mass-selected fragmentation and ion mobility spectrometry to provide accurate, and sometimes improved, mass and drift time resolution. The combination of research and discoveries demonstrated multiple advantages of the new ionization processes and established the basis of the successes that lead to the Biemann Medal and this Perspective. How the new ionization processes relate to traditional ionization is also presented, as well as how these technologies can be utilized in tandem through instrument modification and implementation to increase coverage of complex materials through complementary strengths.