The Thermofisher Scientific Q Exactive (QE) LC-MS is equipped with electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), and direct analysis in real-time (DART) ionization sources. This instrument offers high-resolution capability, up to 100,000, and is capable of fg-level sensitivity, m/z 50-6000. The UHPLC has a diode detector and fraction collector. The QE is used for several applications including detection of contaminants of emerging concern at trace concentrations. Analytes include compounds present in pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Powerful software packages, which include, Compound Discoverer, LipidSearch, and Proteome Discoverer facilitate small molecule identification and structural elucidation and streamline comparative data analysis.