Upgrade of a 400 MHz Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer

University Of Wyoming, Laramie WY

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Chemical Research Instrumentation and Facilities (CRIF) Program, the Department of Chemistry at the University of Wyoming will upgrade a 400 MHz Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer. This equipment will enable researchers to carry out studies on a) zeolite catalyzed reaction chemistry; b) amorphous materials characterization and polyamorphic dynamics; c) spider silk and other biopolymer elucidation; d) ion diffusion in fuel cell and battery materials; e) solid state luminescence matrix characterization; and f) optical pumping and detection enhanced spectroscopy. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is the most powerful tool available to chemists for the elucidation of the structure of molecules. It is used to identify unknown substances, to characterize specific arrangements of atoms within molecules, and to study the dynamics of interactions between molecules in solution. Access to state-of-the-art NMR spectrometry is essential to chemists who are carrying out frontier research. The results from these NMR studies will have an impact in a number of areas including materials chemistry, battery research, and catalysis.