Setaram Introduces VistoMS: A Revolutionary TGA-FTICR Coupling

Setaram (Caluire, France) and AlyXan (Juvisy, France) are pleased to announce the development of VistoMS a NEW technique and coupling for thermal analysis techniques using Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectroscopy (FTICR) for ultra high resolution identification of evolved volatiles.

This new technique is the first true coupling innovation for many years, and is based upon a mass spectrometry technique that directly measures, without prior sample preparation, the ion's cyclotron frequency and calculates the corresponding mass. One of the main advantages of the method is that it does not fragment the evolved molecules, allowing the simultaneous identification of numerous compounds easier to make. As such it has the power to deliver a very high resolution and a very high sensitivity for the measurement of evolved molecules.

The FTICR uses various precursor ions such as H₃O⁺ to deliver a soft ionisation allowing the ionisation of the molecules without fragmentation. As the exact mass of the molecules is obtained, their identification is made extremely easy and the results deliver the corresponding molecular formulas. Additionally the mass precision is as performant as 0.01 u, the new VistoMS can differentiate between molecules with the same nominal mass, something that is almost impossible with traditional MS techniques coupling with thermal analysis techniques.

Additionally the VistoMS can be used for the quantification of the different gases emitted by the sample without any calibration. The detection limit is in the ppm range for a mass range up to 300 u. Compounds of this whole mass range are simultaneously detected at each spectrum, giving a true representation of an unknown sample. Furthermore the technique can work with humidity controlled atmospheres for samples, something not possible with many other spectroscopic techniques.

The coupling between the thermoanalyzer and the FTICR instrument is easily completed at atmospheric pressure and a portion of the gas flow coming from this line is introduced into the gas analyzer and submitted to a primary vacuum, then a secondary vacuum before reaching the measuring zone. The measuring time for a sample is about a few seconds (~ 2 s classically).

The VistoMS coupling is designed for the investigation of degradation or decomposition of organic materials (plastics, resins, composites, food and pharmaceutical products, petroleum products, tobacco, cellulosic materials, organic wastes) when a comprehensive identification and quantification of emitted gases is needed of even the smallest trace of evolved species.