Abstract: A Taylor cone emitter device automated handler is disclosed including an actuated Taylor cone emitter device manipulator, first, second, and third actuators configured to actuate the device manipulator horizontally, vertically, and between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. The device manipulator includes a shaft, an emplacement configured to removably engage a receptacle mount of a Taylor cone emitter device, an ejector configured to dismount the receptacle mount, and a clocking feature interface configured to guide the Taylor cone emitter device into and fix it in a predetermined radial orientation. The Taylor cone emitter device automated handler is configured to mount the Taylor cone emitter device in the vertical orientation, rotate the Taylor cone emitter device to the horizontal orientation, and present the Taylor cone emitter device to an analytical instrument. A handling system and method for analyzing a sample using the Taylor cone emitter device automated handler are disclosed.

Abstract: Spike particles are disclosed including a core and a plurality of spikes attached to and extending from a core surface. The core may be nonporous, superficially porous, or porous. The plurality of spikes may be nonporous or superficially porous. Superficially porous spike particles are disclosed including a porous spike particle shell disposed over a nonporous spike particle. A method for forming the spike particles is disclosed including mixing a dispersed aqueous phase having a plurality of core particles, a water emulsion drop stabilizer, and a catalyst with a continuous oil phase having an organic solvent, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and a silane precursor to form a water-in-oil emulsion system, which is reacted without stirring to form the plurality of chromatographic spike particles. A chromatographic separation device is disclosed including the spike particles, which are randomly packed in the chromatographic separation device and have an external porosity ranging from about 0.4 to about 0.9.