System for electrospray ionization with integrated LC column and electrospray emitter

An integrated system for liquid separation and electrospray ionization, comprising:

• an emitter-enabled capillary column including a column having an end pulled to a tip to implement an emitter, such that an emitter portion and a column portion are integrated into a single structure, the column portion packed with a stationary phase column material, the emitter portion including a porous matrix;
• a fitting coupled to the emitter-enabled capillary column at an end opposite the tip;
• and
• a retractable protective sleeve for covering and/or supporting the emitter portion along at least a portion of its axis, the protective sleeve is slidably mounted around the emitter-enabled capillary column;
• wherein the retractable protective sleeve is moveable to an extended position wherein a tip of the emitter portion is covered by the protective sleeve, and wherein a resilient member is provided to bias the protective sleeve towards the extended position wherein it covers the tip of the emitter portion, the protective sleeve being enclosed and moveable within an outer electrically conductive sheath adapted for insertion within a holder having a high-voltage contact point, the electrically conductive sheath being adapted to contact the high-voltage contact point and provide an electrical connection to enable the emitter-enabled capillary column to receive a high voltage and wherein the electrically conductive sheath has a recess to receive the high-voltage contact point,
• wherein the electrically conductive sheath is in electrical contact with the fitting and the fitting electrically contacts an eluent at the point the eluent enters the emitter-enabled capillary column.