The elucidation of charge-transfer-induced matrix effects in environmentalaerosols via real-time aerosol mass spectral analysis of individual airborne particles

Matrix effects in real-time aerosol mass spectrometry (RTAMS) were investig ated using Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) obtained from the National I nstitute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Suppression of major component ions by much less concentrated species was observed. Attempts were made to mimic the ion suppression using binary systems but were unsuccessful. Data are presented that suggest the origin of the matrix effect is charge trans fer induced neutralization in the ablation plume.