ja111492s_si_003.mpg (8.73 MB)
Ejection of Solvated Ions from Electrosprayed Methanol/Water Nanodroplets Studied by Molecular Dynamics Simulations
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posted on 2011-06-22, 00:00 authored by Elias Ahadi, Lars KonermannThe ejection of solvated small ions from nanometer-sized droplets plays a central role during electrospray ionization (ESI). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can provide insights into the nanodroplet behavior. Earlier MD studies have largely focused on aqueous systems, whereas most practical ESI applications involve the use of organic cosolvents. We conduct simulations on mixed water/methanol droplets that carry excess NH4+ ions. Methanol is found to compromise the H-bonding network, resulting in greatly increased rates of ion ejection and solvent evaporation. Considerable differences in the water and methanol escape rates cause time-dependent changes in droplet composition. Segregation occurs at low methanol concentration, such that layered droplets with a methanol-enriched periphery are formed. This phenomenon will enhance the partitioning of analyte molecules, with possible implications for their ESI efficiencies. Solvated ions are ejected from the tip of surface protrusions. Solvent bridging prior to ion secession is more extensive for methanol/water droplets than for purely aqueous systems. The ejection of solvated NH4+ is visualized as diffusion-mediated escape from a metastable basin. The process involves thermally activated crossing of a ∼30 kJ mol–1 free energy barrier, in close agreement with the predictions of the classical ion evaporation model.
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surface protrusionsConsiderable differencesmethanol concentrationion secessionnanodroplet behaviorSolvated ionsion evaporation modelconduct simulationsenergy barrierdroplet compositionESI efficienciesSolvated Ionsmetastable basinNHion ejectionMolecular Dynamics SimulationsThe ejectiondropletsMD studieselectrospray ionizationESI applicationsanalyte moleculesMolecular dynamics
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