Grant: Engage Grants Program

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is the principle characterization technique used to obtain structural information of chemical compounds. Use of the non-destructive method is vast and has been readily adopted for, not only chemical, but also medical, agricultural, pharma and petroleum applications. Most NMR spectrometers available today are physically cumbersome, both in size and weight, utilize cryogens, and generally require specially trained, expert technologists to operate. Calgary-based Nanalysis develops and manufactures portable, user-friendly desktop NMR spectrometers. Given the utility and ease with which NMR can be incorporated into chemical testing, Paul Hazendonks group at the University of Lethbridge will explore current testing protocols and see if they can be replicated and/or improved by the use of NMR spectroscopy. In order to make this more universal, they will also investigate potential hardware changes and new, easy to use software analysis tools so that expertise is decoupled from this use.As the first step in this collaboration, NSERC Engage funds are requested to develop the required protocols. The successful development of testing protocols will pave the road for further software development.This project will have a significant impact on Nanalysis business, will create training opportunities for HQP, and connections between the University of Lethbridge and industry that are required to conduct research projects of commercial relevance.