Hyperpolarized Xe NMR signal advancement by metal-organic framework entrapment in aqueous solution

We report hyperpolarized Xe signal advancement by metal-organic framework (MOF) entrapment (Hyper-SAME) in aqueous solution. The ¹²⁹Xe NMR signal is drastically promoted by entrapping the Xe into the pores of MOFs. The chemical shift of entrapped ¹²⁹Xe is clearly distinguishable from that of free ¹²⁹Xe in water, due to the surface and pore environment of MOFs. The influences from the crystal size of MOFs and their concentration in water are studied. A zinc imidazole MOF, zeolitic imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8), with particle size of 110 nm at a concentration of 100 mg/mL, was used to give an NMR signal with intensity four times that of free ¹²⁹Xe in water. Additionally, Hyper-SAME is compatible with hyperpolarized ¹²⁹Xe chemical exchange saturation transfer. The ¹²⁹Xe NMR signal can be amplified further by combining the two techniques. More importantly, Hyper-SAME provides a way to make detection of hyperpolarized ¹²⁹Xe in aqueous solution convenient and broadens the application area of MOFs.