Solid-state NMR methods 

Our facility specializes in high resolution solid state spectroscopy and soft materials relaxometry for a large variety of nuclei.

Diffusion measurements

At LabNMR-Cenimat we are equipped a pulsed field gradient probe - Bruker Diff30. This probe can achieve gradient strengths up to 1500 G/cm, and the available inserts allow diffusion coefficients measurements for 1H and 7Li, over a wide range of temperatures.

3D plot of signal decay as a function of G strentgh 

Micro-imaging

Our Micro2.5 probe allows us to image small (< 3 cm diameter) samples at 7.2 T using various 1H and 2H. With X, Y and Z gradients, we can extract slices from the sample in all three dimensions and reconstruct full 3D images. It’s also possible to acquire spectra from specific regions of the sample, down to a pixel size of approximately 10 µm x 10 µm. MRI can be particularly useful in biological or chemical engineering research.

MRI images of cross-section of a cellulosic solutions in a straight glass capillary and a zebrafish with a contrast agent

Rheo-NMR

As an upgrade to MRI, Rheo-NMR is a combination of NMR and Rheology. This technique allows the measurement of the rheological properties of materials at the microscopic molecular levels. The performance of fluid dynamic studies provides valuable information regarding the structure/properties relationships.

2H NMR spectra obtained during shear and consequent relaxation processes of liquid crystaline aqueous cellulosic solutions