Electrospray is one of the most popular ionization methods for mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Despite being routinely applied in the analysis of organic and biological molecules, it has many limitations that are usually addressed by additional efforts in sample preparation. We lack a thorough understanding of these limitations.
The Li+ group has been focused on a few fundamental questions regarding ESI-MS. Where are the limits for the lowest flow rate and ionization current? What is, and how to generate the smallest possible initial charged droplet? What are the characteristics of an "ideal" ESI source and how can we build one? We believe these questions will lead us to expand our knowledge, and eventually to overcome the limitations one by one.
Our research receives funding from NSF and industry collaborators.
We are actively recruiting students at all levels.
