Extraction of ions from a polar solution using a surface-modified membrane interface

Field-induced extraction of ions from a polar solution is implemented with the aid of an interface that represents a polymer track membrane with a conducting coating. A time-of-flight spectrum of ions extracted from a KI solution in a water–glycerol mixture is obtained using nanosecond electric-field pulses. Application of the conducting coating allows a significant decrease in the voltage of the extracting pulse and suppression of the effect of secondary processes on the composition of ions generated in a pulsed membrane ion source.