Solid-state NMR spectroscopy of roasted and ground coffee samples: Evidences for phase heterogeneity and prospects of applications in food screening

The advancement in the use of spectroscopic techniques to investigate coffee samples is of high interest especially considering the widespread problems with coffee adulteration and counterfeiting. In this work, the use of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is investigated as a means to probe the various chemically-distinct phases existent in roasted coffee samples and to detect the occurrence of counterfeiting or adulterations in coffee blends. Routine solid-state ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra allowed the distinction between different coffee types (Arabica/Robusta) and the evaluation of the presence of these components in coffee blends. On the other hand, the use of more specialized solid-state NMR experiments revealed the existence of phases with different molecular mobilities (e.g., associated with lipids or carbohydrates). The results illustrate the usefulness of solid-state NMR spectroscopy to examine molecular mobilities and interactions and to aid in the quality control of coffee-related products.

Acceleration of indirect detection 195Pt solid-state NMR experiments by sideband selective excitation or alternative indirect sampling schemes

The measurement of the of chemical shift (CS) tensors via solid-state NMR (ssNMR) spectroscopy has proven to be a powerful probe of structure for organic molecules, biomolecules, and inorganic materials. However, when measuring the NMR spectra of heavy spin-1/2 isotopes the chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) is commonly on the order of thousands of parts per million, which makes acquisition of NMR spectra difficult due to the low NMR sensitivity imposed by the breadth of the signals and challenges in uniformly exciting the NMR spectrum. We have recently shown that complete ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR spectra could be rapidly measured by using ¹⁹⁵Pt saturation or excitation selective long pulses (SLP) with multiple rotor-cycle durations and RF fields less than 50 kHz into ¹H{¹⁹⁵Pt} or ¹H-³¹P{¹⁹⁵Pt} PE S-RESPDOR, TONE D-HMQC-4, J-resolved, and J-HMQC pulse sequences. The SLP only provide signal or dephasing when they are applied on resonance with a spinning sideband. The magic angle spinning ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR spectrum is reconstructed in the sideband selective NMR experiments by acquiring 1D NMR spectra at variable ¹⁹⁵Pt pulse offsets. In this work, we present a detailed investigation of the specific pulse conditions required for the ideal performance of sideband selective experiments. Sideband selective experiments are shown to be able to accurately reproduce MAS NMR spectra with minimal distortions of relative sideband intensities. It is also demonstrated that a ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR spectrum indirectly detected with HMQC can be rapidly obtained by acquiring a single rotor cycle of indirect dimension evolution points. We dub this method One Rotor Cycle of Acquisition (ORCA) HMQC. Sideband selective experiments and ORCA HMQC experiments are shown to provide a one order of magnitude improvement in experiment times as compared to conventional wideline HMQC experiments.

Ultrafast Magic Angle Spinning Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy: Advances in Methodology and Applications

Solid-state NMR spectroscopy is one of the most commonly used techniques to study the atomic-resolution structure and dynamics of various chemical, biological, material, and pharmaceutical systems spanning multiple forms, including crystalline, liquid crystalline, fibrous, and amorphous states. Despite the unique advantages of solid-state NMR spectroscopy, its poor spectral resolution and sensitivity have severely limited the scope of this technique. Fortunately, the recent developments in probe technology that mechanically rotate the sample fast (100 kHz and above) to obtain "solution-like" NMR spectra of solids with higher resolution and sensitivity have opened numerous avenues for the development of novel NMR techniques and their applications to study a plethora of solids including globular and membrane-associated proteins, self-assembled protein aggregates such as amyloid fibers, RNA, viral assemblies, polymorphic pharmaceuticals, metal-organic framework, bone materials, and inorganic materials. While the ultrafast-MAS continues to be developed, the minute sample quantity and radio frequency requirements, shorter recycle delays enabling fast data acquisition, the feasibility of employing proton detection, enhancement in proton spectral resolution and polarization transfer efficiency, and high sensitivity per unit sample are some of the remarkable benefits of the ultrafast-MAS technology as demonstrated by the reported studies in the literature. Although the very low sample volume and very high RF power could be limitations for some of the systems, the advantages have spurred solid-state NMR investigation into increasingly complex biological and material systems. As ultrafast-MAS NMR techniques are increasingly used in multidisciplinary research areas, further development of instrumentation, probes, and advanced methods are pursued in parallel to overcome the limitations and challenges for widespread applications. This review article is focused on providing timely comprehensive coverage of the major developments on instrumentation, theory, techniques, applications, limitations, and future scope of ultrafast-MAS technology.

DESPERATE: A Python library for processing and denoising NMR spectra

NMR spectroscopy is an inherently insensitive technique with respect to the amount of observable signal. A common element in all NMR spectra is random thermal noise that is often characterized by a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). SNR can be generically improved experimentally with repetitive signal averaging or during post-processing with apodization; the former of which often results in long experimental times and the latter results in the loss of spectral resolution. Denoising techniques can instead be used during post-processing to enhance SNR without compromising resolution. The most common approach relies on the singular-value decomposition (SVD) to discard noisy components of NMR data. SVD-based approaches work well, such as Cadzow and PCA, but are computationally expensive when used for large datasets that are often encountered in NMR (e.g., Carr-Purcell/Meiboom-Gill and nD datasets). Herein, we describe the implementation of a new wavelet transform (WT) routine for the fast and robust denoising of 1D and 2D NMR spectra. Several simulated and experimental datasets are denoised with both SVD-based Cadzow or PCA and WT's, and the resulting SNR enhancements and spectral uniformity are compared. WT denoising offers similar and improved denoising compared with SVD and operates faster by several orders-of-magnitude in some cases. All denoising and processing routines used in this work are included in a free and open-source Python library called DESPERATE.

Solid-State NMR Spectra of Protons and Quadrupolar Nuclei at 28.2 T: Resolving Signatures of Surface Sites with Fast Magic Angle Spinning

Advances in solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods and hardware offer expanding opportunities for analysis of materials, interfaces, and surfaces. Here, we demonstrate the application of a very high magnetic field strength of 28.2 T and fast magic-angle-spinning rates (MAS, >40 kHz) to surface species relevant to catalysis. Specifically, we present as case studies the 1D and 2D solid-state NMR spectra of important catalyst and support materials, ranging from a well-defined silica-supported organometallic catalyst to dehydroxylated γ-alumina and zeolite solid acids. The high field and fast-MAS measurement conditions substantially improve spectral resolution and narrow NMR signals, which is particularly beneficial for solid-state 1D and 2D NMR analysis of ¹H and quadrupolar nuclei such as ²⁷Al at surfaces.

Supercycled R-symmetry sequences for robust heteronuclear polarization transfer in solid-state NMR

Herein, we introduce supercycle of R-symmetry sequences (SR-sequences) and incomplete supercycle schemes of R-symmetry sequences (iSR-I- and iSR-II-sequences) to improve the robustness of PRESTO for heteronuclear polarization transfer in MAS NMR. The constructions of SR- and iSR-I/II- sequences are based on the different phase-inverted supercycles of R-symmetry sequences, and such supercycles can suppress the influence of CSA, resonance offset and RF mismatch when incorporated into the PRESTO method. Moreover, the SR- and iSR-II-sequences are more efficient in suppressing the interference of homonuclear dipolar coupling. The improved robustness of SR-, iSR-I- and iSR-II-PRESTO over the original R-PRESTO has been verified by numerical simulations and NMR experiments on NH₄H₂PO₄ and gamma-alumina at fast MAS conditions. It is also important to note that the SR- and iSR-II-PRESTO can greatly lengthen the transverse relaxation times and lead to much higher polarization transfer efficiency compared to R-PRESTO, thanks to their superior tolerance to RF inhomogeneity and homonuclear dipolar coupling.

Leucine on Silica: A Combined Experimental and Modeling Study of a System Relevant for Origins of Life, and the Role of Water Coadsorption

Leucine on silica constitutes an interesting system from the point of view of origins of life studies since leucine coadsorbed on SiO₂ together with glutamic acid can give rise to rather long linear polypeptides upon activation. It is also an ideal system to test methods of molecular characterization of biomolecules deposited on mineral surfaces since it combines a small-scale model of peptides and proteins, which are among the most important components of biodevices, with one of the most widely used inorganic materials. We have deposited l-leucine on a high surface fumed silica in the submonolayer range and characterized it by a multipronged approach including macroscopic information (thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction), in situ spectroscopic methods (IR, multinuclear solid-state NMR including single-pulse and CP-MAS, 2-D HETCOR), and molecular modeling by density functional theory (DFT), including calculation of NMR parameters. Specific information can be obtained on the adsorption and interaction mechanism. Leucine is rather strongly adsorbed without any covalent bonds, through the formation of a specific lattice of H-bonds that often involve coadsorbed water molecules. Its state is indeed strongly dependent on the drying procedure: insufficient drying results in liquid-like surroundings for the leucine functional groups, while vacuum drying only retains a limited number of waters (of the order of 5 per leucine molecule). The most stable models have zwitterionic leucine interacting directly with surface silanols through their ammonium group, while the carboxylate interacts through bridging waters. Experimental NMR chemical shifts are satisfactorily predicted for these models, and leucine can be viewed as a probe for specific groups of surface sites known as silanol nests.

t1-Noise eliminated dipolar heteronuclear multiple-quantum coherence solid-state NMR spectroscopy

t₁-Noise eliminated (TONE) heteronuclear multiple quantum correlation (HMQC) solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance pulse sequences improve the sensitivity of 2D ¹H{X} heteronuclear correlation experiments with X = ¹⁷O, ²⁵Mg, ²⁷Al and ³⁵Cl.

Fast electron paramagnetic resonance magic angle spinning simulations using analytical powder averaging techniques

Simulations describing the spin physics underpinning nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy play an important role in the design of new experiments. When experiments are performed in the solid state, samples are commonly composed of powders or glasses, with molecules oriented at a large number of angles with respect to the laboratory frame. These powder angles must be represented in simulations to account for anisotropic interactions. Numerical techniques are typically used to accurately compute such powder averages. A large number of Euler angles are usually required, leading to lengthy simulation times. This is particularly true in broad spectra, such as those observed in EPR. The combination of the traditionally separate techniques of EPR and magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR could play an important role in future electron detected experiments, combined with dynamic nuclear polarization, which will allow for exceptional detection sensitivity of NMR spin coherences. Here, we present a method of reducing the required number of Euler angles in magnetic resonance simulations by analytically performing the powder average over one of the Euler angles in the static and MAS cases for the TEMPO nitroxide radical in a 7 T field. In the static case, this leads to a 97.5% reduction in simulation time over the fully numerical case and reproduces the expected spinning sideband manifold when simulated with a MAS frequency of 150 kHz. This technique is applicable to more traditional NMR experiments as well, such as those involving quadrupolar nuclei or multiple dimensions.

Recent Advances in Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

The sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to the local atomic-scale environment offers great potential for the characterization of a diverse range of solid materials. Despite offering more information than its solution-state counterpart, solid-state NMR has not yet achieved a similar level of recognition, owing to the anisotropic interactions that broaden the spectral lines and hinder the extraction of structural information. Here, we describe the methods available to improve the resolution of solid-state NMR spectra and the continuing research in this area. We also highlight areas of exciting new and future development, including recent interest in combining experiment with theoretical calculations, the rise of a range of polarization transfer techniques that provide significant sensitivity enhancements, and the progress of in situ measurements. We demonstrate the detailed information available when studying dynamic and disordered solids and discuss the future applications of solid-state NMR spectroscopy across the chemical sciences.

Layered metal(IV) phosphonate materials: Solid-state 1 H, 13 C, 31 P NMR spectra and NMR relaxation

Multinuclear solid-state NMR and powder X-ray diffraction data collected for phosphonate materials Zr(O₃ PC₆ H₄ PO₃ ) · 3.6H₂ O and Sn(O₃ PC₆ H₄ PO₃ )_0.85 (O₃ POH)_0.30  · 3.09H₂ O have resulted in the layered structure, where the phosphonic acids cross-link the layers. The main structural motif (the 111 connectivity in the PO₃ group) has been established by determination of chemical shift anisotropy parameters for phosphorus nuclei in the phosphonate groups. An analysis of the variable-temperature ³¹ P T₁ measurements and the shapes of the phosphorus resonances in the ³¹ P static NMR spectra have resulted in the dipolar mechanism of the phosphorus spin-lattice relaxation, where the rotating phenylene rings reorient dipolar vectors P^… H as a driving force of the relaxation process. It has been found that water protons do not affect the ³¹ P T₁ times. The activation energy of the phenylene rotation in both compounds has been determined as low as 12.5 kJ/mol. The interpretation of the phosphorus relaxation data has been independently confirmed by the measurements of ¹ H T₁ times for protons of the phenylene rings.

Free-Standing and Self-Crosslinkable Hybrid Films by Core-Shell Particle Design and Processing

The utilization and preparation of functional hybrid films for optical sensing applications and membranes is of utmost importance. In this work, we report the convenient and scalable preparation of self-crosslinking particle-based films derived by directed self-assembly of alkoxysilane-based cross-linkers as part of a core-shell particle architecture. The synthesis of well-designed monodisperse core-shell particles by emulsion polymerization is the basic prerequisite for subsequent particle processing via the melt-shear organization technique. In more detail, the core particles consist of polystyrene (PS) or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), while the comparably soft particle shell consists of poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA) and different alkoxysilane-based poly(methacrylate)s. For hybrid film formation and convenient self-cross-linking, different alkyl groups at the siloxane moieties were investigated in detail by solid-state Magic-Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (MAS, NMR) spectroscopy revealing different crosslinking capabilities, which strongly influence the properties of the core or shell particle films with respect to transparency and iridescent reflection colors. Furthermore, solid-state NMR spectroscopy and investigation of the thermal properties by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements allow for insights into the cross-linking capabilities prior to and after synthesis, as well as after the thermally and pressure-induced processing steps. Subsequently, free-standing and self-crosslinked particle-based films featuring excellent particle order are obtained by application of the melt-shear organization technique, as shown by microscopy (TEM, SEM).

Modification and intercalation of layered zirconium phosphates: a solid-state NMR monitoring

Several layered zirconium phosphates treated with Zr(IV) ions, modified by monomethoxy-polyethyleneglycol-monophosphate and intercalated with doxorubicin hydrochloride have been studied by solid-state MAS NMR techniques. The organic components of the phosphates have been characterized by the ¹³ C{¹ H} CP MAS NMR spectra compared with those of initial compounds. The multinuclear NMR monitoring has provided to establish structure and covalent attachment of organic/inorganic moieties to the surface and interlayer spaces of the phosphates. The MAS NMR experiments including kinetics of proton-phosphorus cross polarization have resulted in an unusual structure of zirconium phosphate 6 combining decoration of the phosphate surface by polymer units and their partial intercalation into the interlayer space. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Peptide and Protein Dynamics and Low-Temperature/DNP Magic Angle Spinning NMR

In DNP MAS NMR experiments at ∼80-110 K, the structurally important -¹³CH₃ and -¹⁵NH₃⁺ signals in MAS spectra of biological samples disappear due to the interference of the molecular motions with the ¹H decoupling. Here we investigate the effect of these dynamic processes on the NMR line shapes and signal intensities in several typical systems: (1) microcrystalline APG, (2) membrane protein bR, (3) amyloid fibrils PI3-SH3, (4) monomeric alanine-CD₃, and (5) the protonated and deuterated dipeptide N-Ac-VL over 78-300 K. In APG, the three-site hopping of the Ala-C_β peak disappears completely at 112 K, concomitant with the attenuation of CP signals from other ¹³C's and ¹⁵N's. Similarly, the ¹⁵N signal from Ala-NH₃⁺ disappears at ∼173 K, concurrent with the attenuation in CP experiments of other ¹⁵N's as well as ¹³C's. In bR and PI3-SH3, the methyl groups are attenuated at ∼95 K, while all other ¹³C's remain unaffected. However, both systems exhibit substantial losses of intensity at ∼243 K. Finally, with spectra of Ala and N-Ac-VL, we show that it is possible to extract site specific dynamic data from the temperature dependence of the intensity losses. Furthermore, ²H labeling can assist with recovering the spectral intensity. Thus, our study provides insight into the dynamic behavior of biological systems over a wide range of temperatures, and serves as a guide to optimizing the sensitivity and resolution of structural data in low temperature DNP MAS NMR spectra.

Temperature dependence of X-ray absorption and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra: probing quantum vibrations of light elements in oxides

Probing the quantum thermal fluctuations of nuclei in light-element oxides using XANES and NMR spectroscopies.

From crystalline to amorphous calcium pyrophosphates: A solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance perspective

Hydrated calcium pyrophosphates (CPP, Ca2P2O7·nH2O) are a fundamental family of materials among osteoarticular pathologic calcifications. In this contribution, a comprehensive multinuclear NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) study of four crystalline and two amorphous phases of this family is presented. (1)H, (31)P and (43)Ca MAS (Magic Angle Spinning) NMR spectra were recorded, leading to informative fingerprints characterizing each compound. In particular, different (1)H and (43)Ca solid state NMR signatures were observed for the amorphous phases, depending on the synthetic procedure used. The NMR parameters of the crystalline phases were determined using the GIPAW (Gauge Including Projected Augmented Wave) DFT approach, based on first-principles calculations. In some cases, relaxed structures were found to improve the agreement between experimental and calculated values, demonstrating the importance of proton positions and pyrophosphate local geometry in this particular NMR crystallography approach. Such calculations serve as a basis for the future ab initio modeling of the amorphous CPP phases.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The general concept of NMR crystallography is applied to the detailed study of calcium pyrophosphates (CPP), whether hydrated or not, and whether crystalline or amorphous. CPP are a fundamental family of materials among osteoarticular pathologic calcifications. Their prevalence increases with age, impacting on 17.5% of the population after the age of 80. They are frequently involved or associated with acute articular arthritis such as pseudogout. Current treatments are mainly directed at relieving the symptoms of joint inflammation but not at inhibiting CPP formation nor at dissolving these crystals. The combination of advanced NMR techniques, modeling and DFT based calculation of NMR parameters allows new original insights in the detailed structural description of this important class of biomaterials.

The use of a selective saturation pulse to suppress t1 noise in two-dimensional (1)H fast magic angle spinning solid-state NMR spectroscopy

A selective saturation pulse at fast magic angle spinning (MAS) frequencies (60+kHz) suppresses t1 noise in the indirect dimension of two-dimensional (1)H MAS NMR spectra. The method is applied to a synthetic nucleoside with an intense methyl (1)H signal due to triisopropylsilyl (TIPS) protecting groups. Enhanced performance in terms of suppressing the methyl signal while minimising the loss of signal intensity of nearby resonances of interest relies on reducing spin diffusion--this is quantified by comparing two-dimensional (1)H NOESY-like spin diffusion spectra recorded at 30-70 kHz MAS. For a saturation pulse centred at the methyl resonance, the effect of changing the nutation frequency at different MAS frequencies as well as the effect of changing the pulse duration is investigated. By applying a pulse of duration 30 ms and nutation frequency 725 Hz at 70 kHz MAS, a good compromise of significant suppression of the methyl resonance combined with the signal intensity of resonances greater than 5 ppm away from the methyl resonance being largely unaffected is achieved. The effectiveness of using a selective saturation pulse is demonstrated for both homonuclear (1)H-(1)H double quantum (DQ)/single quantum (SQ) MAS and (14)N-(1)H heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence (HMQC) two-dimensional solid-state NMR experiments.

Joint Experimental and Computational 17O and 1H Solid State NMR Study of Ba2In2O4(OH)2 Structure and Dynamics

A structural characterization of the hydrated form of the brownmillerite-type phase Ba₂In₂O₅, Ba₂In₂O₄(OH)₂, is reported using experimental multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) energy and GIPAW NMR calculations. When the oxygen ions from H₂O fill the inherent O vacancies of the brownmillerite structure, one of the water protons remains in the same layer (O3) while the second proton is located in the neighboring layer (O2) in sites with partial occupancies, as previously demonstrated by Jayaraman et al. (Solid State Ionics2004, 170, 25-32) using X-ray and neutron studies. Calculations of possible proton arrangements within the partially occupied layer of Ba₂In₂O₄(OH)₂ yield a set of low energy structures; GIPAW NMR calculations on these configurations yield ¹H and ¹⁷O chemical shifts and peak intensity ratios, which are then used to help assign the experimental MAS NMR spectra. Three distinct ¹H resonances in a 2:1:1 ratio are obtained experimentally, the most intense resonance being assigned to the proton in the O3 layer. The two weaker signals are due to O2 layer protons, one set hydrogen bonding to the O3 layer and the other hydrogen bonding alternately toward the O3 and O1 layers. ¹H magnetization exchange experiments reveal that all three resonances originate from protons in the same crystallographic phase, the protons exchanging with each other above approximately 150 °C. Three distinct types of oxygen atoms are evident from the DFT GIPAW calculations bare oxygens (O), oxygens directly bonded to a proton (H-donor O), and oxygen ions that are hydrogen bonded to a proton (H-acceptor O). The ¹⁷O calculated shifts and quadrupolar parameters are used to assign the experimental spectra, the assignments being confirmed by ¹H-¹⁷O double resonance experiments.

Solid-state Hadamard NMR spectroscopy: simultaneous measurements of multiple selective homonuclear scalar couplings

Unambiguous measurement of homonuclear scalar couplings (J) in multi-spin scalar network systems is not straightforward. Further, the direct measurement of J-couplings is obscured in solid-state samples due to the dipolar and chemical shift anisotropy (CSA)-dominated line broadening, even under the magic angle spinning (MAS). We present a new multiple frequency selective spin-echo method based on Hadamard matrix encoding, for simultaneous measurement of multiple homonuclear scalar couplings (J) in the solid-state. In contrast to the Hadamard encoded selective excitation schemes known for the solution-state, herein the selectivity is achieved during refocusing period. The Hadamard encoded refocusing scheme concurrently allows to create the spin-spin commutation property between number of spin-pairs of choice in uniformly labelled molecules, which, therefore avoids (1) the repetition of the double selective refocusing experiments for each spin-pair and (2) the synthesis of expensive selective labelled molecules. The experimental scheme is exemplified for determining (1)JCC and (3)JCC values in (13)C6l-Histidine.HCl molecule, which are found to be in excellent agreement with those measured in conventional double frequency selective refocusing mode as well as in the solution-state. This method can be simply extended to 2D/3D pulse schemes and be applied to small bio-molecular solids.

Recent NMR developments applied to organic-inorganic materials

In this contribution, the latest developments in solid state NMR are presented in the field of organic-inorganic (O/I) materials (or hybrid materials). Such materials involve mineral and organic (including polymeric and biological) components, and can exhibit complex O/I interfaces. Hybrids are currently a major topic of research in nanoscience, and solid state NMR is obviously a pertinent spectroscopic tool of investigation. Its versatility allows the detailed description of the structure and texture of such complex materials. The article is divided in two main parts: in the first one, recent NMR methodological/instrumental developments are presented in connection with hybrid materials. In the second part, an exhaustive overview of the major classes of O/I materials and their NMR characterization is presented.

Dynamic nuclear polarization surface enhanced NMR spectroscopy

Many of the functions and applications of advanced materials result from their interfacial structures and properties. However, the difficulty in characterizing the surface structure of these materials at an atomic level can often slow their further development. Solid-state NMR can probe surface structure and complement established surface science techniques, but its low sensitivity often limits its application. Many materials have low surface areas and/or low concentrations of active/surface sites. Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) is one intriguing method to enhance the sensitivity of solid-state NMR experiments by several orders of magnitude. In a DNP experiment, the large polarization of unpaired electrons is transferred to surrounding nuclei, which provides a maximum theoretical DNP enhancement of ∼658 for (1)H NMR. In this Account, we discuss the application of DNP to enhance surface NMR signals, an approach known as DNP surface enhanced NMR spectroscopy (DNP SENS). Enabling DNP for these systems requires bringing an exogeneous radical solution into contact with surfaces without diluting the sample. We proposed the incipient wetness impregnation technique (IWI), a well-known method in materials science, to impregnate porous and particulate materials with just enough radical containing solution to fill the porous volume. IWI offers several advantages: it is extremely simple, provides a uniform wetting of the surface, and does not increase the sample volume or substantially reduce the concentration of the sample. This Account describes the basic principles behind DNP SENS through results obtained for mesoporous and nanoparticulate samples impregnated with radical solutions. We also discuss the quantification of the overall sensitivity enhancements obtained with DNP SENS and compare that with ordinary room temperature NMR spectroscopy. We then review the development of radicals and solvents that give the best possible enhancements today. With the best polarizing mixtures, DNP SENS enhances sensitivity by a factor of up to 100, which decreases acquisition time by five orders of magnitude. Such enhancement enables the detailed and expedient atomic level characterization of the surfaces of complex materials at natural isotopic abundance and opens new avenues for NMR. To illustrate these improvements, we describe the successful application of DNP SENS to characterize hybrid materials, organometallic surface species, and metal-organic frameworks.

High-resolution proton CRAMPS NMR using narrowband analog filters and postponed data acquisition

Proton linewidths decrease with increasing magic-angle spinning (MAS) rates. However, without spin dilution by deuteration, even with the fastest MAS rates available today, the narrowest proton linewidths are obtained by using the combined rotation and multiple pulse spectroscopy (CRAMPS) method. Direct observation under windowed CRAMPS typically introduces several tens of times more noise, partly because wideband analog filters (e.g. 5 MHz) must be used or sometimes even bypassed. Here we report that it is possible to keep using narrowband analog filters (about 50 kHz cutoff frequency) in CRAMPS by taking advantage of the time delay caused by the filters, which is inversely proportional to the cutoff frequency. This delay coincides with typical CRAMPS cycle times, enabling acquisition of the data point in the next detection window. The noise of such CRAMPS spectra is only about 5 times larger than MAS-only spectra. This new method allows CRAMPS to be performed on systems that lack wideline hardware (wideband filters and fast ADCs), for example, older spectrometers originally intended for solution NMR.

Efficient, balanced, transmission line RF circuits by back propagation of common impedance nodes

We present a new, efficient strategy for designing fully balanced transmission line RF circuits for solid state NMR probes based on back propagation of common impedance nodes (BPCIN). In this approach, the impedance node phenomenon is the sole means of achieving mutual RF isolation and balance in all RF channels. BPCIN is illustrated using a custom double resonance 3.2 mm MAS probe operating at 500 MHz ((1)H) and 125 MHz ((13)C). When fully optimized, the probe is capable of producing high homogeneity (810°/90° ratios of 86% and 89% for (1)H and (13)C, respectively) and high efficiency (γB1=100 kHz for (1)H and (13)C at 70 W and 180 W of RF input, respectively; up to 360 kHz for (1)H). The probe's performance is illustrated by 2D MAS correlation spectra of microcrystals of the tripeptide N-f-MLF-OH and hydrated amyloid fibrils of the protein PI3-SH3.

A nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer concept for hermetically sealed magic angle spinning investigations on highly toxic, radiotoxic, or air sensitive materials

A concept to integrate a commercial high-resolution, magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR) probe capable of very rapid rotation rates (70 kHz) in a hermetically sealed enclosure for the study of highly radiotoxic materials has been developed and successfully demonstrated. The concept centres on a conventional wide bore (89 mm) solid-state NMR magnet operating with industry standard 54 mm diameter probes designed for narrow bore magnets. Rotor insertion and probe tuning take place within a hermetically enclosed glovebox, which extends into the bore of the magnet, in the space between the probe and the magnet shim system. Oxygen-17 MAS-NMR measurements demonstrate the possibility of obtaining high quality spectra from small sample masses (~10 mg) of highly radiotoxic material and the need for high spinning speeds to improve the spectral resolution when working with actinides. The large paramagnetic susceptibility arising from actinide paramagnetism in (Th(1-x)U(x))O2 solid solutions gives rise to extensive spinning sidebands and poor resolution at 15 kHz, which is dramatically improved at 55 kHz. The first (17)O MAS-NMR measurements on NpO(2+x) samples spinning at 55 kHz are also reported. The glovebox approach developed here for radiotoxic materials can be easily adapted to work with other hazardous or even air sensitive materials.

Achieving high resolution dipolar NMR information without fast sample spinning: combining magic angle turning with dipolar based NMR methods

In this article we present a new approach to high resolution NMR combining the concepts of magic angle hopping (MAH)/magic angle turning (MAT) and dipolar based NMR methods such as SEDOR, REDOR or cross polarization (CP). Employing aluminophosphates as model systems we demonstrate that No MAS needed (NOMAS) is capable of supplying high resolution dipolar information without the need of fast MAS.

Applications of high-resolution 1H solid-state NMR

This article reviews the large increase in applications of high-resolution (1)H magic-angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR, in particular two-dimensional heteronuclear and homonuclear (double-quantum and spin-diffusion NOESY-like exchange) experiments, in the last five years. These applications benefit from faster MAS frequencies (up to 80 kHz), higher magnetic fields (up to 1 GHz) and pulse sequence developments (e.g., homonuclear decoupling sequences applicable under moderate and fast MAS). (1)H solid-state NMR techniques are shown to provide unique structural insight for a diverse range of systems including pharmaceuticals, self-assembled supramolecular structures and silica-based inorganic-organic materials, such as microporous and mesoporous materials and heterogeneous organometallic catalysts, for which single-crystal diffraction structures cannot be obtained. The power of NMR crystallography approaches that combine experiment with first-principles calculations of NMR parameters (notably using the GIPAW approach) are demonstrated, e.g., to yield quantitative insight into hydrogen-bonding and aromatic CH-π interactions, as well as to generate trial three-dimensional packing arrangements. It is shown how temperature-dependent changes in the (1)H chemical shift, linewidth and DQ-filtered signal intensity can be analysed to determine the thermodynamics and kinetics of molecular level processes, such as the making and breaking of hydrogen bonds, with particular application to proton-conducting materials. Other applications to polymers and biopolymers, inorganic compounds and bioinorganic systems, paramagnetic compounds and proteins are presented. The potential of new technological advances such as DNP methods and new microcoil designs is described.

Identifying guanosine self assembly at natural isotopic abundance by high-resolution 1H and 13C solid-state NMR spectroscopy

By means of the (1)H chemical shifts and the proton-proton proximities as identified in (1)H double-quantum (DQ) combined rotation and multiple-pulse spectroscopy (CRAMPS) solid-state NMR correlation spectra, ribbon-like and quartet-like self-assembly can be identified for guanosine derivatives without isotopic labeling for which it was not possible to obtain single crystals suitable for diffraction. Specifically, characteristic spectral fingerprints are observed for dG(C10)(2) and dG(C3)(2) derivatives, for which quartet-like and ribbon-like self-assembly has been unambiguously identified by (15)N refocused INADEQUATE spectra in a previous study of (15)N-labeled derivatives (Pham, T. N.; et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc.2005, 127, 16018). The NH (1)H chemical shift is observed to be higher (13-15 ppm) for ribbon-like self-assembly as compared to 10-11 ppm for a quartet-like arrangement, corresponding to a change from NH···N to NH···O intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The order of the two NH(2)(1)H chemical shifts is also inverted, with the NH(2) proton closest in space to the NH proton having a higher or lower (1)H chemical shift than that of the other NH(2) proton for ribbon-like as opposed to quartet-like self-assembly. For the dG(C3)(2) derivative for which a single-crystal diffraction structure is available, the distinct resonances and DQ peaks are assigned by means of gauge-including projector-augmented wave (GIPAW) chemical shift calculations. In addition, (14)N-(1)H correlation spectra obtained at 850 MHz under fast (60 kHz) magic-angle spinning (MAS) confirm the assignment of the NH and NH(2) chemical shifts for the dG(C3)(2) derivative and allow longer range through-space N···H proximities to be identified, notably to the N7 nitrogens on the opposite hydrogen-bonding face.

Progress in correlation spectroscopy at ultra-fast magic-angle spinning: basic building blocks and complex experiments for the study of protein structure and dynamics

Recent progress in multi-dimensional solid-state NMR correlation spectroscopy at high static magnetic fields and ultra-fast magic-angle spinning is discussed. A focus of the review is on applications to protein resonance assignment and structure determination as well as on the characterization of protein dynamics in the solid state. First, the consequences of ultra-fast spinning on sensitivity and sample heating are considered. Recoupling and decoupling techniques at ultra-fast MAS are then presented, as well as more complex experiments assembled from these basic building blocks. Furthermore, we discuss new avenues in biomolecular solid-state NMR spectroscopy that become feasible in the ultra-fast spinning regime, such as sensitivity enhancement based on paramagnetic doping, and the prospect of direct proton detection.

A multinuclear solid-state magnetic resonance and GIPAW DFT study of anhydrous calcium chloride and its hydrates

The group 2 metal halides and corresponding metal halide hydrates serve as useful model systems for understanding the relationship between the electric field gradient (EFG) and chemical shift (CS) tensors at the halogen nuclei and the local molecular and electronic structure. Here, we present a 35/37Cl and 43Ca solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) study of CaCl2. The 35Cl nuclear quadrupole coupling constant, 8.82(8) MHz, and the isotropic chlorine CS, 105(8) ppm (with respect to dilute NaCl(aq)), are different from the values reported previously for this compound, as well as those reported for CaCl2·2H2O. Chlorine-35 SSNMR spectra are also presented for CaCl2·6H2O, and when taken in concert, the SSNMR observations for CaCl2, CaCl2·2H2O, and CaCl2·6H2O clearly demonstrate the sensitivity of the chlorine EFG and CS tensors to the local symmetry and to changes in the hydration state. For example, the value of δiso decreases with increasing hydration. Gauge-including projector-augmented wave (GIPAW) density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to substantiate the experimental SSNMR findings, to rule out the presence of other hydrates in our samples, to refine the hydrogen positions in CaCl2·2H2O, and to explore the isostructural relationship between CaCl2 and CaBr2. Finally, the 43Ca CS tensor span is measured to be 31(5) ppm for anhydrous CaCl2, which represents only the fifth CS tensor span measurement for calcium.

The PAW/GIPAW approach for computing NMR parameters: a new dimension added to NMR study of solids

In 2001, Mauri and Pickard introduced the gauge including projected augmented wave (GIPAW) method that enabled for the first time the calculation of all-electron NMR parameters in solids, i.e. accounting for periodic boundary conditions. The GIPAW method roots in the plane wave pseudopotential formalism of the density functional theory (DFT), and avoids the use of the cluster approximation. This method has undoubtedly revitalized the interest in quantum chemical calculations in the solid-state NMR community. It has quickly evolved and improved so that the calculation of the key components of NMR interactions, namely the shielding and electric field gradient tensors, has now become a routine for most of the common nuclei studied in NMR. Availability of reliable implementations in several software packages (CASTEP, Quantum Espresso, PARATEC) make its usage more and more increasingly popular, maybe indispensable in near future for all material NMR studies. The majority of nuclei of the periodic table have already been investigated by GIPAW, and because of its high accuracy it is quickly becoming an essential tool for interpreting and understanding experimental NMR spectra, providing reliable assignments of the observed resonances to crystallographic sites or enabling a priori prediction of NMR data. The continuous increase of computing power makes ever larger (and thus more realistic) systems amenable to first-principles analysis. In the near future perspectives, as the incorporation of dynamical effects and/or disorder are still at their early developments, these areas will certainly be the prime target.