Unair Department of Chemistry Holds Mass Spectrometry Guest Lecture with Prof. Yoshiaki Takaya from Meijo University
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY UNAIR – The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), Universitas Airlangga, organized a guest lecture titled “Mass Spectroscopy” on Wednesday (March 12, 2026) at the Chemistry Meeting Room. The event featured an international academic from Japan, Prof. Yoshiaki Takaya from Meijo University, who delivered a presentation on the principles and applications of mass spectrometry techniques in chemical compound analysis.
The event was attended by students and members of the academic community of the Department of Chemistry, who showed great enthusiasm in gaining insights into modern analytical methods widely used in chemical research, particularly in the identification of molecular structures of organic compounds.
In his presentation, Prof. Yoshiaki Takaya explained that mass spectrometry is an analytical technique used to determine molecular mass and assist in identifying the molecular formula of an organic compound. This method operates through the ionization process, in which neutral molecules are converted into ions so that they can be detected by a mass spectrometer.
He also described the mechanism of electron ionization (EI), a process in which a beam of electrons collides with molecules, producing positively charged radical ions. These ions subsequently undergo fragmentation, forming various ion fragments that are then analyzed to generate a mass spectrum pattern. This spectral pattern serves as the basis for determining the structure and characteristics of a chemical compound.
Furthermore, Prof. Takaya explained the working scheme of a mass spectrometer instrument, which includes sample ionization, ion acceleration, separation based on mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) using a magnetic field, and ion detection that produces a mass spectrum.
Through this activity, students gained an understanding of the fundamental principles of mass spectrometry as one of the essential analytical techniques in modern chemistry, ranging from ionization and ion fragmentation processes to the interpretation of mass spectra for determining molecular mass and identifying chemical structures.
The organization of this guest lecture represents one of the Department of Chemistry, Universitas Airlangga’s efforts to strengthen international academic networks while enhancing students’ understanding of global developments in chemical research and opening opportunities for future research collaborations.
