Using the electrochemistry of the electrospray ion source

Armed with knowledge of the fundamental electrochemical aspects of the ion source, users of ESI MS are positioned to understand when and how this electrochemistry might be analytically important in terms of their particular MS studies or applications. It is our hope that this information will be exploited to bring to light new possibilities for ESI MS. The use of alternative electrode configurations and emitters with current and/or potential control, which allows one to control the electrochemical reactions, and the utilization of electrochemically initiated homogeneous chemistries are particular areas for growth. Understanding and using the electrochemical processes in the expanding area of nanoES systems will be another important area of research (47, 48). Improved comprehension of the electrochemical aspects of the ES process will continue to enlarge the utility of ESI MS for analytical chemists.