Abstract: A plasma-based dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) ion source is configured for flowing afterglow sampling and ionization of analytes. A method of direct sampling for mass spectrometric analysis includes providing an afterglow from a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma device, directing the afterglow with a flow of heated plasma support gas to a sample positioned externally to the DBD device, ionizing at least a portion of the sample with the afterglow and heated gas, and, analyzing ionized species from the sample in a mass spectrometer. A system for mass spectrometric analysis of a sample includes a mass spectrometer having an entrance aperture, and, a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) ion source having a heated plasma support gas for directing DBD afterglow to a sample positioned between the DBD ion source and the entrance aperture of the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of photochemical transformation of metallic and non-metallic ions in an aqueous environment. The method comprises exposing the ions to UV irradiation in the presence of an organic acid. The aqueous ions are reduced by the method and may form hydrides, alkyl or carbonyl compounds.