Application of reversal electron attachment for ultrasensitive detection of thermal electron-attaching molecules: carbon tetrachloride and nitrobenzene

A standard gas dilution method was used to determine the response of the reversal electron attachment detector (READ) to carbon tetrachloride concentrations In nitrogen. Data are provided that determine the lowest concentration of sample detectable with the present instrumental configuration as being below 1.0 pptrv (part per trillion by volume). The Incorporation of a 90˚ electrostatic deflector with the quadrupole mass spectrometer is shown to be vital, and with it, negative-ion quadrupole mass spectrometry is used to characterize the ionization process. Observations are also made of the reversal electron attachment response to nitrobenzene. The analytical potential of reversal electron capture negative-ion mass spectrometry is examined, and areas for future development are discussed.