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DOE Pulse
  • Number 401  |
  • November 18, 2013

Ames Lab to acquire first-of-kind NMR

Ames Laboratory will acquire a Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP)-NMR instrument. DNP-NMR combines two techniques, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy with NMR, producing more sensitive, rapid research results. Photo courtesy of Bruker.

Ames Laboratory will acquire a Dynamic
Nuclear Polarization (DNP)-NMR instrument.
DNP-NMR combines two techniques,
electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)
spectroscopy with NMR, producing more
sensitive, rapid research results.
Photo courtesy of Bruker

DOE’s Ames Laboratory will soon acquire a Dynamic Nuclear Polarization-NMR spectrometer, which will be the first of its kind in the United States to be used in the study of materials and materials chemistry.

“The DNP-NMR is essentially a combination of two techniques, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy with nuclear magnetic resonance, which yields an amazing increase in sensitivity,” says Cynthia Jenks, assistant director of scientific planning for the Ames Laboratory and director of the chemical and biological sciences division. “In the types of materials we study, we’ve been able to demonstrate an enhancement of anywhere from eight to 30 times in signal sensitivity. Results that used to take a week to obtain will now take hours or minutes.”

Ames Laboratory scientists expect the new DNP-NMR to expand and accelerate the progress of research efforts in many areas, including catalysis, nanocomposites, fuel cell membrane materials, soil organic matter, carbon electrode  materials, plant cell walls, hydrogen storage materials, and complex states.

Full story: https://www.ameslab.gov/news/news-releases/ames-laboratory-leads-new-cutting-edge-nmr-technology

[Laura Millsaps, 515.294.3474,
millsaps@ameslab.gov]