Harnessing Mass Spectrometry for Molecular Analysis in Energy: From Fossil Fuels to Renewables.

Mass spectrometry (MS) has become an indispensable tool for the detailed chemical analysis of materials used in energy production, spanning both traditional fossil fuels and modern renewable alternatives. This review explores advanced ionization sources and ultrahigh-resolution MS technologies in analyzing energy materials such as petroleum, biomass, biofuels, and bio-oil. Highlighted ionization techniques include electrospray ionization, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization, atmospheric pressure photoionization, laser desorption/ionization, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, all crucial for qualitative and quantitative assessments, as well as ultrahigh-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance and Orbitrap mass analyzers.