Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

<p>This application requests funding for a comprehensive third channel nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) console and probe upgrade on a 400 MHz solid-state NMR spectrometer located in the Department of Chemistry&rsquo;s Solid-state NMR Facility. NMR spectroscopy provides researchers a tool to investigate structure and composition at the molecular level in a diverse range of chemical problems. This instrument upgrade will provide triple resonance capabilities to researchers at the University of Alberta, accessing 85% of the NMR active nuclei and support multi-dimensional solid-state NMR techniques to identify short- (&lt;4 &Aring;) and medium-range (&lt;7 &Aring;) atomic structure. Furthermore, it will broaden the scope of applications of the spectrometer allowing University of Alberta researchers to address some of the most challenging atomic structure and dynamic problems they face in their respective fields. </p> <p>NMR is one of the most powerful spectroscopic tools available to the physical sciences and our ability to analyze samples on a 24/7 basis is vital to five research groups that require molecular level characterization in materials science including biomaterials, silicon nanocrystals, photovoltaics and polymer sensors, and soil formations in biogeochemistry. The Michaelis group will be responsible for the proposed instrumentation as their core research program uses solid-state NMR spectroscopy to investigate structure-property relationships in inorganic biomaterials including bioglass and glass-ceramics, and ionomer glass cements. His research takes advantage of the fact that the dipolar coupling (a through space interaction) between nuclear spins, X and Y, is related by the distance between them (r^-3). This equipment will provide his team the ability to probe medium-range structure within bioactive glass-ceramics. The triple resonance 400 MHz NMR spectrometer and MAS NMR probe will directly support the research efforts of ~30 HQP within the research groups of Michaelis, Veinot, Buriak and Serpe (Chemistry) and Quideau (Renewable Resources), advancing hands-on training in the application of dipolar recoupling NMR methods. Access will be available to other research groups across campus, particularly in Chemistry comprised of 35 research faculty and ~200 graduate students. The application of NMR is becoming increasing prevalent in industry and academia, and the technical skills gained by HQP will better their marketability.</p>