Introduction to Solid State NMR Spectroscopy

NMR spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool. Solution NMR spectroscopy has become routine in many analytical labs. However, analytical chemists are generally not comfortable with solid-state NMR (SSNMR), albeit being an invaluable technique for materials characterization. This is mainly due to several intricacies and a lack of training that provides crucial knowledge. In this course, you will learn the basics of SSNMR and its applications to a wide variety of materials.

Principles of SSNMR and what makes it different from solution NMR will be taught. Since hardware plays a huge role in the kinds of samples/experiments that can be performed, information on hardware requirements and dual-use (solid and liquid samples) of NMR spectrometer will be discussed. Sample requirements, multiple steps to obtain SSNMR data, choice of right experiments, and data analysis will be discussed. Several commonly used techniques like Magic Angle Spinning (MAS), Direct Polarization (DP), Cross-Polarization (CP), multiple pulse and multi-dimensional experiments will be covered.

Over 2/3rd of the NMR active nuclei are quadrupolar (Spin >1/2) and are very commonly found in many materials. Special techniques such as DOR and MQMAS to probe these nuclei will be discussed. Applications of solid-state NMR techniques to study a variety of materials such as Polymers, Organic and Inorganic complexes, Zeolites, MOFs, pharmaceutical materials (API), Polymorphs, Membranes, Proteins, Battery materials, Biomass will be analyzed. This should provide you with an excellent idea on, if and how SSNMR would be useful for your laboratory.