Charged droplet spray is formed from a solution with all or a portion of
the charged droplet spray current generated from reduction or oxidation
(redox) reactions occurring on surfaces removed from the first or sample
solution flow path. In one embodiment of the invention, two solution flow
channels are separated by a semipermeable membrane. A first or sample
solution flowing through the first solution flow channel exchanges cation
or anion charged species through the semipermeable membrane with a second
solution or gas flowing through the second flow channel. Charge exchange
is driven by the electric field applied at the charged droplet sprayer
sample solution outlet. Redox reactions occur at an electrode surface in
contact with the second solution. The invention increases the control and
range of the Electrospray ionization process during ES/MS operation.
Alternative embodiments of the invention provide for conducting redox
reactions on conductive surfaces removed from the first or sample
solution flow path but not separated by semipermeable membranes.