A droplet/electrospray device and a liquid chromatography-electrospray
system are disclosed. The droplet/electrospray device comprises a
substrate defining a channel between an entrance orifice on an injection
surface and an exit orifice on an ejection surface, a nozzle defined by a
portion recessed from the ejection surface surrounding the exit orifice,
and an electrode for application of an electric potential to the substrate
to optimize and generate droplets or an electrospray. A plurality of these
electrospray devices can be used in the form of an array of miniaturized
nozzles. The liquid chromatography-electrospray device comprises a
separation substrate defining an introduction channel between an entrance
orifice and a reservoir and a separation channel between the reservoir and
an exit orifice, the separation channel being populated with separation
posts perpendicular to the fluid flow. A cover substrate is bonded to the
separation substrate to enclose the reservoir and the separation channel
adjacent the cover substrate. The exit orifice of the liquid
chromatography device is homogeneously interfaced with the entrance
orifice of the electrospray device to form an integrated single system.
Procedures for fabrication of the electrospray devices of the present
invention are also disclosed.
