MALDI Mass Spectrometry for Synthetic Polymer Analysis

Principles and Practices of Polymer Mass Spectrometry helps readers acquire the skills necessary for selecting the optimal methods, handling samples, analyzing the data, and interpreting the results of the mass spectrometry of polymers. This guide describes the principles of polymer MS and best practices in polymer characterization. It discusses different approaches, including MALDI, ESI, TOF MS, and FT-MS. It provides a guide to developing appropriate sample preparation protocols for different polymers. Complete with examples of applications and experiments, this is an excellent reference for scientists, researchers, graduate students, and others.

Tested and proven practices from the experts for

successful polymer characterization and analysis

Written by a team of leading mass spectrometry experts, this book enables readers to avoid the many pitfalls that often occur during the MALDI MS analysis of synthetic polymers by guiding them through each step of the procedure. It carefully explains the principles of polymer mass spectrometry and sets forth the best practices in using MALDI MS, emphasizing the specific skills and techniques required for polymer analysis and characterization. With the book's careful guidance, readers gain new skills in:

• Selecting the optimal method to characterize a particular sample
• Preparing and handling samples
• Analyzing data and interpreting the results

Following an overview of MS and MALDI Mass Spectrometry for Synthetic Polymer Analysis, each chapter is dedicated to a specific technique or method, including:

• Time-of-flight MS for polymer characterization
• Tandem MS and polymer ion dissociation
• New approaches to data reduction in MS
• MALDI MS applications for industrial polymers

The authors of each chapter describe the underlying principles of the technique or method, its attributes in polymer characterization, shortcomings, and efforts for further development and improvement. Examples of applications and experiments are provided alongside tips to help readers perform seamless analyses.

Because of the great diversity in polymer chemistry, there is no universal approach for MALDI MS analysis of polymers. With this book, readers can choose and apply the right analytical protocol to characterize and analyze any polymer sample.

Liang Li, PhD, is a Professor of Chemistry and a Canada Research Chair in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Alberta. He is an Editor of Analytical Chimica Acta and a member of the Advisory Boards for the Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry, Canadian Journal of Chemistry, and Current Analytical Chemistry.