LDI TOFMS for structure elucidation of chalcogenides

Laser Desorption Ionisation Time Of Flight Mass Spectrometry (LDI TOFMS) was applied for (i) laser ablation synthesis and (ii) to elucidate structure of chalcognides via analysis of clusters formed via LDI of chalcogenide glasses. E.g., nanogold-Te nano-composite was found as a suitable precursor for laser ablation generation of new gold tellurides. On the other hand, the clusters generated via LDI from chalcogenide glasses, especially from Ge-As-Te and Ge-Sb-Se systems, possess to a certain extend part of the original structure - the following bond were identified in the structures: Ge-As, Ge-Sb, Ge-Se, Ge-Te, As-Te, Sb-Se, Sb-Sb, Se-Se, and Te-Te. Concluding, LDI TOFMS is destructive method but it was proved that it is useful tool for structure elucidation of this kind of inorganic materials.