Current state of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with focus on processes of ionization

The present article contains information on current trends in the field of the hyphenated technology comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, namely the most powerful analytical tool today-available for the analysis of mixtures formed of volatile compounds. The information herein reported relates mainly to a four-year time period (2014e2017). Focus is devoted to various aspects of mass spectrometry, in particular to ionization methodologies. Apart from critical considerations on past and present research, a future perspective on processes of ionization is given.