The use of pencil lead as a matrix and calibrant for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation.
Pencil lead is shown to be an effective matrix and calibrant in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) mass spectrometry. Various groups of analytes, including peptides, polymers and actinide metals, can be readily ionised using MALDI when deposited onto a pencil lead matrix. The matrix is seen to have advantages in sample preparation relating to its hydrophobic properties and almost complete suppression of the matrix during analysis. Using pencil lead as a matrix is a quick and convenient method of qualitative analysis and has been shown to be quantitative for the isotope ratio analysis of actinide metals.
AWE Aldermaston, Reading RG7 4PR, UK. Claudie.Black@awe.co.uk
Claudie
C
Black
Chris
C
Poile
John
J
Langley
Julie
J
Herniman
D008671:Actinoid Series Elements / Q000032:analysis* / Q000592:standards*; D002138:Calibration / Q000592:standards; D006108:Graphite / Q000032:analysis* / Q000592:standards*; D012015:Reference Standards; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D014501:Uranium / Q000032:analysis / Q000592:standards
D008671:Actinoid Series Elements; D014501:Uranium; D006108:Graphite