In catalytic studies, EI is typically used in combination with gas chromatography (GC) or liquid chromatography (LC) to separate the components of a reaction mixture before ionization and analysis. This combination allows for the detailed analysis of complex mixtures and provides insights into the composition and dynamics of catalytic reactions. The ions produced by EI are then analyzed using a mass spectrometer, which provides information about their mass-to-charge ratio and helps in identifying the chemical species present.