QuadFit--a new cross-platform computer program for simulation of NMR line shapes from solids with distributions of interaction parameters

Controlled Electronic and Magnetic Landscape in Self-Assembled Complex Oxide Heterostructures

Complex oxide heterointerfaces contain a rich playground of novel physical properties and functionalities, which give rise to emerging technologies. Among designing and controlling the functional properties of complex oxide film heterostructures, vertically aligned nanostructure (VAN) films using a self-assembling bottom-up deposition method presents great promise in terms of structural flexibility and property tunability. Here, the bottom-up self-assembly is extended to a new approach using a mixture containing a 2Dlayer-by-layer film growth, followed by a 3D VAN film growth. In this work, the two-phase nanocomposite thin films are based on LaAlO3 :LaBO3 , grown on a lattice-mismatched SrTiO3001 (001) single crystal. The 2D-to-3D transient structural assembly is primarily controlled by the composition ratio, leading to the coexistence of multiple interfacial properties, 2D electron gas, and magnetic anisotropy. This approach provides multidimensional film heterostructures which enrich the emergent phenomena for multifunctional applications.

Composition-Defined Optical Properties and the Direct-to-Indirect Transition in Core-Shell In1-xGaxP/ZnS Colloidal Quantum Dots

Semiconductors are commonly divided into materials with direct or indirect band gaps based on the relative positions of the top of the valence band and the bottom of the conduction band in crystal momentum (k) space. It has, however, been debated if k is a useful quantum number to describe the band structure in quantum-confined nanocrystalline systems, which blur the distinction between direct and indirect gap semiconductors. In bulk III-V semiconductor alloys like In_1-xGa_xP, the band structure can be tuned continuously from the direct- to indirect-gap by changing the value of x. The effect of strong quantum confinement on the direct-to-indirect transition in this system has yet to be established because high-quality colloidal nanocrystal samples have remained inaccessible. Herein, we report one of the first systematic studies of ternary III-V nanocrystals by utilizing an optimized molten-salt In-to-Ga cation exchange protocol to yield bright In_1-xGa_xP/ZnS core-shell particles with photoluminescence quantum yields exceeding 80%. We performed two-dimensional solid-state NMR studies to assess the alloy homogeneity and the extent of surface oxidation in In_1-xGa_xP cores. The radiative decay lifetime for In_1-xGa_xP/ZnS monotonically increases with higher gallium content. Transient absorption studies on In_1-xGa_xP/ZnS nanocrystals demonstrate signatures of direct- and indirect-like behavior based on the presence or absence, respectively, of excitonic bleach features. Atomistic electronic structure calculations based on the semi-empirical pseudopotential model are used to calculate absorption spectra and radiative lifetimes and evaluate band-edge degeneracy; the resulting calculated electronic properties are consistent with experimental observations. By studying photoluminescence characteristics at elevated temperatures, we demonstrate that a reduced lattice mismatch at the III-V/II-VI core-shell interface can enhance the thermal stability of emission. These insights establish cation exchange in molten inorganic salts as a viable synthetic route to nontoxic, high-quality In_1-xGa_xP/ZnS QD emitters with desirable optoelectronic properties.

Recent progress in solid-state NMR of spin-½ low-γ nuclei applied to inorganic materials

Significant technological and methodological advances in solid-state NMR techniques in recent years have increased the accessibility of nuclei with small magnetic moments (hereafter termed low-γ) underpinning an increased range of applications of such nuclei. These methodological advances are briefly summarised, including improvements in hardware and pulse sequences, as well as important developments in associated computational methods (e.g. first principles calculations, spectral simulation). Here spin-½ nuclei are the focus, with this Perspective complementing a very recent review that looked at half-integer spin low-γ quadrupolar nuclei. Reference is made to some of the original reports of such spin-½ nuclei, but recent progress in the relevant methodology and applications to inorganic materials (most within the last 10 years) of these nuclei are the focus. An overview of the current state-of-the-art of studying these nuclei is thereby provided for both NMR spectroscopists and materials researchers.

Recent progress in solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance of half-integer spin low-γ quadrupolar nuclei applied to inorganic materials

An overview is presented of recent progress in the solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) observation of low-γ nuclei, with a focus on applications to inorganic materials. The technological and methodological advances in the last 20 years, which have underpinned the increased accessibility of low-γ nuclei for study by solid-state NMR techniques, are summarised, including improvements in hardware, pulse sequences and associated computational methods (e.g., first principles calculations and spectral simulation). Some of the key initial observations from inorganic materials of these nuclei are highlighted along with some recent (most within the last 10 years) illustrations of their application to such materials. A summary of other recent reviews of the study of low-γ nuclei by solid-state NMR is provided so that a comprehensive understanding of what has been achieved to date is available.

Observing the three-dimensional dynamics of supported metal complexes

The dynamics of heterogeneous catalysts are linked to their activity and selectivity but are poorly understood. NMR enables for the determination of high-resolution dynamic structures for such sites and the mapping of accessible conformations.

Applications of solid-state NMR spectroscopy in environmental science

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field, which integrates chemical, physical, and biological sciences to study environmental problems and human impact on the environment. This article highlights the use of solid-state NMR spectroscopy (SSNMR) in studies of environmental processes and remediation with examples from both laboratory studies and samples collected in the field. The contemporary topics presented include soil chemistry, environmental remediation (e.g., heavy metals and radionuclides removal, carbon dioxide mineralization), and phosphorus recovery. SSNMR is a powerful technique, which provides atomic-level information about speciation in complex environmental samples as well as the interactions between pollutants and minerals/organic matter on different environmental interfaces. The challenges in the application of SSNMR in environmental science (e.g., measurement of paramagnetic nuclei and low-gamma nuclei) are also discussed, and perspectives are provided for the future research efforts.

Simplified waste-free process for synthesis of nanoporous compact alumina under technologically advantageous conditions

Precipitated ammonium aluminium carbonate hydroxide (NH₄Al(OH)₂CO₃) is a promising precursor for preparation of nanostructured Al₂O₃. However, the experimental conditions, such as the low concentration of Al³⁺ salt solution, high temperature and/or pressure, long reaction time, and excessive amount of the (NH₄)₂CO₃ precipitating agent, make this process expensive for large-scale production. Here, we report a simpler and cheaper route to prepare nanostructured alumina by partial neutralisation of a nearly saturated aqueous solution of Al(NO₃)₃ with (NH₄)₂CO₃ as a base at pH < 4. Synthesis in the acidic region led to formation of a polynuclear aluminium cluster (Al₁₃), which is an important “green” solution precursor for large-area preparation of Al₂O₃ thin films and nanoparticles. Control of the textural properties of the final alumina product during calcination of the prepared aluminium (oxy)hydroxide gel was accomplished by adding low-solubility aluminium acetate hydroxide (Al(OH)(CH₃COO)₂) as a seed to the Al(NO₃)₃ solution before neutralisation. The large Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area (376 m² g⁻¹) and narrow pore size distribution (2–20 nm) of the prepared compact alumina suggest that the chelating effect of the acetate ions affects the structures of the forming transition aluminas, and the evolved gases produced by decomposition of Al(OH)(CH₃COO)₂ and NH₄NO₃ as a by-product of the reaction during calcination prevent particle agglomeration. Other advantages of the proposed process are its versatility and the ability to obtain high purity materials without producing large amounts of by-products without the need for washing and energy saving by using a low processing temperature, and the possibility of recycling the generated CO₂ and NH₃ gases as the (NH₄)₂CO₃ reagent.

Flow chart of the proposed process for production of nanoporous alumina monoliths.

Structural analysis of dehydrated gibbsite-based layered double hydroxides Li–Al–X (X = F−, Cl−, Br−, I−, OH−, NO3−, CO32−, and SO42−) by DFT calculations

Ab initio calculations were performed in order to discuss the structural modifications derived from anion exchange in Li–Al–Cl LDH, a compound formed by the treatment of gibbsite with aqueous lithium chloride (LiCl).

Exploiting in-situ solid-state NMR spectroscopy to probe the early stages of hydration of calcium aluminate cement

We report a high-field in-situ solid-state NMR study of the hydration of CaAl₂O₄ (the most important hydraulic phase in calcium aluminate cement), based on time-resolved measurements of solid-state ²⁷Al NMR spectra during the early stages of the reaction. A variant of the CLASSIC NMR methodology, involving alternate recording of direct-excitation and MQMAS ²⁷Al NMR spectra, was used to monitor the ²⁷Al species present in both the solid and liquid phases as a function of time. Our results provide quantitative information on the changes in the relative amounts of ²⁷Al sites with tetrahedral coordination (the anhydrous reactant phase) and octahedral coordination (the hydrated product phases) as a function of time, and reveal significantly different kinetic and mechanistic behaviour of the hydration reaction at the different temperatures (20 °C and 60 °C) studied.

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of a Pure ZnAl4(OH)12(SO4)·2.6H2O Layered Double Hydroxide

The phase purity of a series of ZnAl₄(OH)₁₂SO₄· nH₂O layered double hydroxides (ZnAl₄-LDH) obtained from a reaction of bayerite (Al(OH)₃) with an excess of zinc(II) sulfate under hydrothermal conditions was investigated as a function of the reaction temperature, the duration of the hydrothermal treatment, and the zinc(II) concentration. The product quality, i.e., crystalline impurities, Al impurities, and bulk Zn:Al ratio, were assessed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), ²⁷Al MAS NMR, and elemental analysis. Structural characterization of a stoichiometric ZnAl₄-LDH (120 °C, 9 days, and 2.8 M Zn(II)) showed a well-defined structure of the metal ion layer as evidenced by a single, well-defined Zn environment: i.e., no Zn substitution on the Al sites according to Zn k-edge EXAFS and PXRD. Furthermore, nearly all of the 12 different ¹H atoms in the -OH groups and 4 ²⁷Al resonances could be assigned using ¹H,²⁷Al NMR correlation experiments recorded with ultrafast MAS. The interlayer water content is variable on the basis of thermogravimetric analysis and changes in the ¹H MAS NMR spectra with temperature. A composition of ZnAl₄(OH)₁₂(SO₄)·2.6H₂O was obtained from a combination of these techniques and confirmed that ZnAl₄-LDH is isostructural with the mineral nickelalumite (NiAl₄(OH)₁₂SO₄·3H₂O).

Structure Change and Rattling Dynamics in Cu12Sb4S13 Tetrahedrite: an NMR Study

We present a ⁶³Cu and ⁶⁵Cu NMR study of Cu₁₂Sb₄S₁₃, the basis for tetrahedrite thermoelectric materials. In addition to electronic changes observed at the T_c = 88 K metal-insulator transition, we find that locally there are significant structural changes occurring as the temperature extends above T_c, which we associate with Cu atom displacements away from symmetry positions. Spin-lattice relaxation rates (1/ T₁) are dominated by a quadrupolar process indicating anharmonic vibrational dynamics both above and below T_c. We used a quasiharmonic approximation for localized anharmonic oscillators to analyze the impact of Cu rattling. The results demonstrate that Cu-atom rattling dynamics extends unimpeded in the distorted structural configuration below T_c and provide a direct measure of the anharmonic potential well.

Loading across the Periodic Table: Introducing 14 Different Metal Ions To Enhance Metal-Organic Framework Performance

Loading metal guests within metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) via secondary functional groups is a promising route for introducing or enhancing MOF performance in various applications. In this work, 14 metal ions (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Ba²⁺, Zn²⁺, Co²⁺, Mn²⁺, Ag⁺, Cd²⁺, La³⁺, In³⁺, and Pb²⁺) have been successfully introduced within the MIL-121 MOF using a cost-efficient route involving free carboxylic groups on the linker. The local and long-range structure of the metal-loaded MOFs is characterized using multinuclear solid-state NMR and X-ray diffraction methods. Li/Mg/Ca-loaded MIL-121 and Ag nanoparticle-loaded MIL-121 exhibit enhanced H₂ and CO₂ adsorption; Ag nanoparticle-loaded MIL-121 also demonstrates remarkable catalytic activity in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.

Tin chemical shift anisotropy in tin dioxide: On ambiguity of CSA asymmetry derived from MAS spectra

Two different axial symmetries of the ¹¹⁹Sn chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) in tin dioxide with the asymmetry parameter (η) of 0 and 0.27 were reported previously based on the analysis of MAS NMR spectra. By analyzing the static powder pattern, we show that the ¹¹⁹Sn CSA is axially symmetric. A nearly axial symmetry and the principal axis system of the ¹¹⁹Sn chemical shift tensor in SnO₂ were deduced from periodic scalar-relativistic density functional theory (DFT) calculations of NMR parameters. The implications of fast small-angle motions on CSA parameters were also considered, which could potentially lead to a CSA symmetry in disagreement with a crystal symmetry. Our analysis of experimental spectra using spectral simulations and iterative fittings showed that MAS spectra recorded at relatively high frequencies do not show sufficiently distinct features in order to distinguish CSAs with η ≈ 0 and η ≈ 0.4. The example of SnO₂ shows that both the MAS lineshape and spinning sideband analyses may overestimate the η value by as much as ∼0.3 and ∼0.4, respectively. The results confirm that a static powder pattern must be analysed in order to improve the accuracy of the CSA asymmetry measurements. The measurements on SnO₂ nanoparticles showed that the asymmetry parameter of the ¹¹⁹Sn CSA increases for nm-sized particles with a larger surface area compared to μm-sized particles. The increase of the η value for tin atoms near the surface in SnO₂ was also confirmed by DFT calculations.

Direct solid state NMR observation of the 105Pd nucleus in inorganic compounds and palladium metal systems

Although ¹⁰⁵Pd is a very challenging nucleus for solid state NMR, these initial observations demonstrate its potential for characterising catalytically relevant Pd metal systems.

Fitting MAS NMR spectra in crystals with local disorder: Czjzek's vs. Maurer's model for 11B and 71Ga in polycrystalline gallium borate

A comparative analysis of the Czjzek's and Maurer's models of the joint distribution density of NMR quadrupole parameters has been carried out in view of their application to account for spectra broadening induced by local disorder in crystals. As an example of such an application, we have considered Magic Angle Spinning NMR of ¹¹B and ⁷¹Ga isotopes in polycrystalline gallium borate. Computer simulations carried out using both models unambiguously show that in the case of low local disorder the Maurer's model, in contrast to the Czjzek's model, provides satisfactory fits to experimental NMR spectra.

A solid state NMR study of layered double hydroxides intercalated with para-amino salicylate, a tuberculosis drug

Para-amino salicylate (PAS), a tuberculosis drug, was intercalated in three different layered double hydroxides (MgAl, ZnAl, and CaAl-LDH) and the samples were studied by multi-nuclear ((1)H, (13)C, and (27)Al) solid state NMR (SSNMR) spectroscopy in combination with powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), elemental analysis and IR-spectroscopy to gain insight into the bulk and atomic level structure of these LDHs especially with a view to the purity of the LDH-PAS materials and the concentration of impurities. The intercalations of PAS in MgAl-, ZnAl-, and CaAl-LDH's were confirmed by (13)C SSNMR and PXRD. Moreover, (13)C MAS NMR and infrared spectroscopy show that PAS did not decompose during synthesis. Large amounts (20-41%) of amorphous aluminum impurities were detected in the structure using (27)Al single pulse and 3QMAS NMR spectra, which in combination with (1)H single and double quantum experiments also showed that the M(II):Al ratio was higher than predicted from the bulk metal composition of MgAl-PAS and ZnAl-PAS. Moreover, the first high-resolution (1)H SSNMR spectra of a CaAl LDH is reported and assigned using (1)H single and double quantum experiments in combination with (27)Al{(1)H} HETCOR.

Capturing Guest Dynamics in Metal-Organic Framework CPO-27-M (M = Mg, Zn) by (2)H Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising porous materials for gas separation and storage as well as sensing. In particular, a series of isostructural MOFs with coordinately unsaturated metal centers, namely, CPO-27-M or M-MOF-74 (M = Mg, Zn, Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu), have shown exceptional adsorption capacity and selectivity compared to those of classical MOFs that contain only fully coordinated metal sites. Although it is widely accepted that the interaction between guest molecules and exposed metal centers is responsible for good selectivity and large maximum uptake, the investigation of such guest-metal interaction is very challenging because adsorbed molecules are usually disordered in the pores and undergo rapid thermal motions. (2)H solid-state NMR (SSNMR) spectroscopy is one of the most extensively used techniques for capturing guest dynamics in porous materials. In this work, variable-temperature (2)H wide-line SSNMR experiments were performed on CPO-27-M (M = Mg, Zn) loaded with four prototypical guest molecules: D2O, CD3CN, acetone-d6, and C6D6. The results indicate that different guest molecules possess distinct dynamic behaviors inside the channel of CPO-27-M. For a given guest molecule, its dynamic behavior also depends on the nature of the metal centers. The binding strength of guest molecules is discussed on the basis of the (2)H SSNMR data.

(11)B MAS NMR study of Ga1-xFexBO3 mixed crystals

Mixed iron-gallium borate crystals Ga1-xFexBO3 have been studied by Magic Angle Spinning (MAS) NMR of (11)B isotope. Experimental MAS NMR spectra have been computer simulated using a laboratory-developed code. The quadrupole parameters and isotropic chemical shift for (11)B are consistent with threefold-coordination of boron atoms. A detailed fitting to the experimental NMR spectra reveals the existence of a certain local disorder in Ga1-xFexBO3 crystals.

First principles characterization of silicate sites in clay surfaces

The hydroxyl group chemical environment can differently influence the exposed surface sites in similar aluminosilicate clays through vdW interactions in siloxane cavities.

Quadrupolar magic angle spinning NMR spectra fitted using the Pearson IV function

The Pearson IV function was used to fit the asymmetric solid-state (27)Al NMR spectra of alumina based catalysts. A high convergence (correlation coefficient is no less than 0.997) between experimental and simulated spectra was achieved. The decomposition of the (27)Al NMR spectra of zinc/aluminum mixed oxides with different Zn/Al molar ratio revealed an increased fraction (6-9%) of pentacoordinated aluminum atoms in these oxides as compared to γ-Al2O3. As the Zn/Al ratio is raised, the fraction of [AlO6] octahedral units decreases, while the fraction of [AlO4] tetrahedra increases.

A solid-state NMR investigation of the colossal expansion material, Ag3Co(CN)6

Presented here is a solid-state NMR investigation of the so-called “colossal expansion” material, Ag3Co(CN)6, a compound that exhibits some of the largest positive and negative thermal expansion properties reported. This study explores the 13C, 15N, and 59Co NMR properties of this material at room temperature and at variable temperatures with the goal of probing the effects of this colossal expansion behaviour on these properties. We found that the flexible nature of the crystal framework leads to a distribution of electric field gradients, and that, oddly enough, no strong correlation is observed between the NMR parameters of Ag3Co(CN)6 and its colossal expansion nature. The 59Co isotropic chemical shift increased and the 59Co nuclear quadrupolar coupling constant decreased with increasing temperature, but neither of these relationships were extraordinary when compared to other octahedral Co(III) complexes. The link between the colossal expansion and the NMR properties of Ag3Co(CN)6 may be the distribution of lattice parameters and hence unusually broad features in the 59Co NMR spectra. The high order of symmetry at the cobalt site resulted in a small quadrupolar coupling constant less than 1 MHz in magnitude. We also observed a |1J(107/109Ag,15N)| value of 96 Hz, the largest 107/109Ag–15N coupling constant reported to date.

QUEST-QUadrupolar Exact SofTware: a fast graphical program for the exact simulation of NMR and NQR spectra for quadrupolar nuclei

We present a new program for the exact simulation of solid-state NMR spectra of quadrupolar nuclei in stationary powdered samples which employs diagonalization of the combined Zeeman-quadrupolar Hamiltonian. The program, which we call QUEST (QUadrupolar Exact SofTware), can simulate NMR spectra over the full regime of Larmor and quadrupolar frequency ratios, which encompasses scenarios ranging from high-field NMR to nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR, where the Larmor frequency is zero) and does not make use of approximations when treating the quadrupolar interaction. With the use of the fast powder averaging scheme of Alderman, Solum, and Grant, exact NMR spectral simulations are only marginally slower than the second-order perturbation theory counterpart. The program, which uses a graphical user interface, also incorporates chemical shift anisotropy and non-coincident chemical shift and quadrupolar tensor frames. The program is validated against newly-acquired experimental data through several examples including: the low-field (79/81)Br NMR spectra of CaBr(2), the (14)N overtone NMR spectrum of glycine, the (187)Re NQR spectra of Re(2)(CO)(10), and lastly the (127)I overtone NQR spectrum of SrI(2), which, to the best of our knowledge, represents the first direct acquisition of an overtone NQR spectrum for a powdered sample.

Titanium-containing bioactive phosphate glasses

The use of biomaterials has revolutionized the biomedical field and has received substantial attention in the last two decades. Among the various types of biomaterials, phosphate glasses have generated great interest on account of their remarkable bioactivity and favourable physical properties for various biomedical applications relating to both hard and soft tissue regeneration. This review paper focuses mainly on the development of titanium-containing phosphate-based glasses and presents an overview of the structural and physical properties. The effect of titanium incorporation on the glassy network is to introduce favourable properties. The biocompatibility of these glasses is described along with recent developments in processing methodologies, and the potential of Ti-containing phosphate-based glasses as a bone substitute material is explored.

Structural characterization and physical properties of P2O5-CaO-Na2O-TiO2 glasses by Fourier transform infrared, Raman and solid-state magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies

Phosphate-based glasses have been investigated for tissue engineering applications. This study details the properties and structural characterization of titanium ultra-phosphate glasses in the 55(P(2)O(5))-30(CaO)-(25-x)(Na(2)O)-x(TiO(2)) (0≤x≤5) system, which have been prepared via melt-quenching techniques. Structural characterization was achieved by a combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD), and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies. Physical properties were also investigated using density, degradation and ion release studies; additionally, differential thermal analysis was used for thermal analysis of these glasses. The results show that with the addition of TiO(2) the density and glass transition temperature increased whereas the degradation and ion release properties are decreased. From XRD data, TiP(2)O(7) and CaP(2)O(6) were detected in 3 and 5 mol.% TiO(2)-containing glasses. Magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance results confirmed that as TiO(2) is incorporated into the glass; the amount of Q(3) increases as the amount of Q(2) consequently decreases, indicating increasing polymerization of the phosphate network. Spectroscopy results also showed that the local structure of glasses changes with increasing TiO(2) content. As TiO(2) is incorporated into the glass, the phosphate connectivity increases, indicating that the addition of TiO(2) content correlates unequivocally with an increase in glass stability.

SIMPSON - an important driver for numerical simulations in solid-state NMR spectroscopy

We present a historical recollection on the development of the software package SIMPSON (SIMulation Package for SOlid-state Nmr). This covers a brief description of the underlying ideas and events leading to creation of SIMPSON and numerous auxiliary programs as well as comments on its impact on the development and application of solid-state NMR in research laboratories world-wide.

Structural analysis of lanthanum-containing battery materials using 139La solid-state NMR

139La solid-state NMR spectra, acquired at 21.1 and 11.7 T, have been used to evaluate the structural properties of the lithium ion battery materials, La32Li16Fe6.4O67 and Li3xLa2/3–xTiO3. In particular, atomic-level disorder in the second coordination sphere environment of lanthanum in these materials has been indicated by the observation of a distribution in the asymmetry parameters and the quadrupolar coupling constants derived from experimental NMR spectra, and supported by theoretical calculations. For comparison, 139La NMR has been obtained for the two model compounds La2O3 and LaNbO4, in which there is no atomic-level disorder. Quadrupolar coupling constants in the range of 17 to 59 MHz have been measured, and these values are supported by previous work as well as theoretical predictions performed in CASTEP. It has been shown that 139La NMR is a useful tool for the structural analysis of lithium ion battery materials, and when combined with 7Li MAS NMR and powder X-ray diffraction, can be used to determine the structure of complex solid-state electrolyte and electrode materials.

EASY-GOING deconvolution: combining accurate simulation and evolutionary algorithms for fast deconvolution of solid-state quadrupolar NMR spectra

A fast and accurate fit program is presented for deconvolution of one-dimensional solid-state quadrupolar NMR spectra of powdered materials. Computational costs of the synthesis of theoretical spectra are reduced by the use of libraries containing simulated time/frequency domain data. These libraries are calculated once and with the use of second-party simulation software readily available in the NMR community, to ensure a maximum flexibility and accuracy with respect to experimental conditions. EASY-GOING deconvolution (EGdeconv) is equipped with evolutionary algorithms that provide robust many-parameter fitting and offers efficient parallellised computing. The program supports quantification of relative chemical site abundances and (dis)order in the solid-state by incorporation of (extended) Czjzek and order parameter models. To illustrate EGdeconv's current capabilities, we provide three case studies. Given the program's simple concept it allows a straightforward extension to include other NMR interactions. The program is available as is for 64-bit Linux operating systems.

Natural-abundance 43Ca solid-state NMR spectroscopy of bone

Structural information about the coordination environment of calcium present in bone is highly valuable in understanding the role of calcium in bone formation, biomineralization, and bone diseases like osteoporosis. While a high-resolution structural study on bone has been considered to be extremely challenging, NMR studies on model compounds and bone minerals have provided valuable insight into the structure of bone. Particularly, the recent demonstration of (43)Ca solid-state NMR experiments on model compounds is an important advance in this field. However, application of (43)Ca NMR is hampered due to the low natural-abundance and poor sensitivity of (43)Ca. In this study, we report the first demonstration of natural-abundance (43)Ca magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR experiments on bone, using powdered bovine cortical bone samples. (43)Ca NMR spectra of bovine cortical bone are analyzed by comparing to the natural-abundance (43)Ca NMR spectra of model compounds including hydroxyapatite and carbonated apatite. While (43)Ca NMR spectra of hydroxyapatite and carbonated apatite are very similar, they significantly differ from those of cortical bone. Raman spectroscopy shows that the calcium environment in bone is more similar to carbonated apatite than hydroxyapatite. A close analysis of (43)Ca NMR spectra reveals that the chemical shift frequencies of cortical bone and 10% carbonated apatite are similar but the quadrupole coupling constant of cortical bone is larger than that measured for model compounds. In addition, our results suggest that an increase in the carbonate concentration decreases the observed (43)Ca chemical shift frequency. A comparison of experimentally obtained (43)Ca MAS spectra with simulations reveal a 3:4 mol ratio of Ca-I/Ca-II sites in carbonated apatite and a 2.3:3 mol ratio for hydroxyapatite. 2D triple-quantum (43)Ca MAS experiments performed on a mixture of carbonated apatite and the bone protein osteocalcin reveal the presence of protein-bound and free calcium sites, which is in agreement with a model developed from X-ray crystal structure of the protein.

Recent technique developments and applications of solid state NMR in characterising inorganic materials

A broad overview is given of some key recent developments in solid state NMR techniques that have driven enhanced applications to inorganic materials science. Reference is made to advances in hardware, pulse sequences and associated computational methods (e.g. first principles calculations, spectral simulation), along with their combination to provide more information about solid phases. The resulting methodology has allowed more nuclei to be observed and more structural information to be extracted. Cross referencing between experimental parameters and their calculation from the structure has given an added dimension to NMR as a characterisation probe of materials. Emphasis is placed on the progress made in the last decade especially from those nuclei that were little studied previously. The general points about technique development and the increased range of nuclei observed are illustrated through some specific exemplars from inorganic materials science.

Solid-state 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance investigation of three aluminum-centered dyes

We report the first solid-state 27Al NMR study of three aluminum phthalocyanine dyes: aluminum phthalocyanine chloride, AlPcCl (1); aluminum-1,8,15,22-tetrakis(phenylthio)-29H,31H-phthalocyanine chloride, AlPc(SPh)4Cl (2); and aluminum-2,3-naphthalocyanine chloride, AlNcCl (3). Each of these compounds contains Al3+ ions coordinating to four nitrogen atoms and a chlorine atom. Solid-state 27Al NMR spectra, including multiple-quantum magic-angle spinning (MQMAS) spectra and quadrupolar Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill (QCPMG) spectra of stationary powdered samples have been acquired at multiple high magnetic field strengths (11.7, 14.1, and 21.1 T) to determine their composition and number of aluminum sites, which were analyzed to extract detailed information on the aluminum electric field gradient (EFG) and nuclear magnetic shielding tensors. The quadrupolar parameters for each 27Al site were determined from spectral simulations, with quadrupolar coupling constants (CQ) ranging from 5.40 to 10.0 MHz and asymmetry parameters (η) ranging from 0.10 to 0.50, and compared well with the results of quantum chemical calculations of these tensors. We also report the largest 27Al chemical shielding anisotropy (CSA), with a span of 120 ± 10 ppm, observed directly in a solid material. The combination of MQMAS and computational predictions are used to interpret the presence of multiple aluminum sites in two of the three samples.