Instrumental developments in drift tube ion mobility spectrometry: A review on miniaturization, new manufacturing techniques, and pre-separation

Abstract

Drift tube ion mobility spectrometry (DT-IMS) separates ions based on their mobility under weak electric fields and has undergone significant advancements since its introduction as an analytical instrument in 1970. Recent developments in DT-IMS focus on addressing limitations such as low resolving power and challenges in separating complex samples. High-resolution ion shutters, optimized drift tubes, and integrated chip-based pre-separation methods have greatly enhanced analytical performance. Miniaturization has been a key focus, driven by advanced manufacturing techniques and instrumental developments, which have improved portability, reduced costs, and enabled custom designs. Tandem DT-IMS systems further enhance selectivity and structural elucidation, offering expanded capabilities for complex analyses. These innovations have significantly advanced the functionality of DT-IMS, bridging the gap between simple, straightforward designs and high analytical performance. This review highlights the transformative impact of these instrumental developments, miniaturization, and novel manufacturing techniques, positioning DT-IMS as a versatile, high-performance analytical tool for modern workflows.