Reverse-taylor cone ionization systems and methods of use thereof

A method, comprising:

• providing a scanning ion source system, comprising:
• an ion generation chamber including a conductive membrane disposed at a first end of the ion generation chamber and chamber walls interfaced with the conductive membrane, wherein the conductive membrane includes a plurality of orifices through the conductive membrane, wherein the orifices have a diameter of about 1 nanometer to 10 millimeters, and wherein a voltage source is in electrical communication with the conductive membrane;
• disposing the membrane into a sample;
• applying a first voltage to the membrane;
• ionizing molecules in the sample adjacent the membrane to produce a plurality of first ionized molecules;
• and
• producing a reverse-Taylor-cone of the sample through one or more of the orifices in the membrane, wherein the reverse-Taylor-cone extends into the ion generation chamber, and wherein the reverse-Taylor-cone of the sample includes the first ionized molecules.

A method, comprising:

• disposing an ion generation chamber into a sample, wherein the ion generation chamber includes a conductive membrane having a plurality of orifices;
• applying a first voltage to the conductive membrane;
• ionizing molecules in the sample adjacent the conductive membrane to produce a plurality of solvated first ionized molecules;
• producing a reverse-Taylor-cone of the sample through one or more of the orifices in the conductive membrane, wherein the reverse-Taylor-cone extends into the ion generation chamber, and wherein the reverse-Taylor-cone of the sample includes the solvated first ionized molecules;
• dispersing solvated first ionized molecules from the reverse-Taylor-cone into the ion generation chamber;
• generating an electromotive force within the ion generation chamber that drives the solvated first ionized molecules away from the membrane;
• and
• generating de-solvated first ionized molecules from the solvated first ionized molecules.