New methods and applications in solid-state NMR spectroscopy of quadrupolar nuclei

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Spectroscopy
• Chemistry

Background:

• Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy offers unique atomic-scale and element-specific insights into material structure, disorder, and dynamics.
• NMR spectra of quadrupolar nuclei (I > 1/2) present challenges due to anisotropic broadening from electric field gradients, limiting sensitivity and resolution.
• Historically, these challenges have restricted the application of solid-state NMR for quadrupolar nuclei.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the quadrupolar interaction in solid-state NMR.
• To describe experimental approaches for acquiring high-resolution NMR spectra of quadrupolar nuclei.
• To showcase recent applications and future directions of this technique.

Main Methods:

• Overview of the quadrupolar interaction.
• Description of experimental techniques for high-resolution solid-state NMR.
• Discussion of spectral interpretation and information extraction.

Main Results:

• Recent advancements have improved sensitivity and resolution in solid-state NMR for quadrupolar nuclei.
• High-resolution NMR spectra provide detailed information on material properties.
• Successful applications demonstrated in energy materials, microporous materials, Earth sciences, and biomaterials.

Conclusions:

• Solid-state NMR of quadrupolar nuclei is a powerful, albeit historically challenging, technique.
• Improved methods are expanding its utility across various scientific disciplines.
• Future directions promise further advancements in understanding complex materials.