400 MHz NMR console with solid-state probes

• Subject Area: Chemical Solid State and Surface Research
• Term: Funded in 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 445471097

We are applying for a package consisting of one new 600 MHz NMR instrument with a cryogenic, nitrogen-cooled probe as well as a backup probe, a new 400 MHz console with two solid state probes as well as a backup probe and a new 400 MHz console with a broadband probe. This comprehensive modernisation is necessary, because the NMR consoles and magnets at the Chemistry Department at the University of Ulm are all 15-27 years old and because several recent faculty hires and collaborative research initiatives require changes in the NMR infrastructure.We envisage that the 600 MHz instrument with the cryogenic probe will be used for most 13C NMR measurements, for two-dimensional NMR measurements and for 1H NMR measurements of dilute samples and complex mixtures. A high-value room-temperature probe shall serve as a backup on this magnet, while the cryogenic probe is being maintained, cleaned or repaired. One of the two 400 MHz consoles shall be capable of performing solid state NMR spectroscopy and hence be equipped with three probes: first, a new magic angle spinning (MAS) probe that is optimized for high-resolution 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy of “semi-solids“ (main users: organic and macromolecular research groups). Second, a broadband cross-polarization (CP)-MAS probe that is optimized for the solid-state NMR characterization of “real solids” such as metal oxide nanoparticles (main users: inorganic and electrochemical research groups). Third, a conventional, broadband probe shall also allow NMR measurements in solution, so that the total capacity of the NMR facility can be optimized. The second 400 MHz console with a broadband probe will allow fully automated 1H and X nuclei (e.g. 11B, 19F, 31P) NMR measurements at high sensitivity.Within the feasible temperature ranges, all three instruments shall be suitable for carrying out variable temperature (VT) NMR measurements. All instruments shall be equipped with autosamplers and autotuning units so that several measurements can be carried out during nights and weekends.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: 400 MHz-NMR-Konsole mit Festkörper-Probenköpfen
• Instrumentation Group: 1740 Hochauflösende NMR-Spektrometer
• Applicant Institution: Universität Ulm
• Leader: Professor Dr. Alexander Kühne