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New applications and perspectives of fast field cycling NMR relaxometry
Author(s) -
Steele Rebecca M.,
Korb JeanPierre,
Ferrante Gianni,
Bubici Salvatore
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
magnetic resonance in chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.483
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1097-458X
pISSN - 0749-1581
DOI - 10.1002/mrc.4220
Subject(s) - relaxometry , chemistry , larmor precession , relaxation (psychology) , nuclear magnetic resonance , nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy , dispersion (optics) , spin echo , analytical chemistry (journal) , magnetic field , chemical physics , magnetic resonance imaging , physics , optics , organic chemistry , medicine , psychology , social psychology , quantum mechanics , radiology
The field cycling NMR relaxometry method (also known as fast field cycling (FFC) when instruments employing fast electrical switching of the magnetic field are used) allows determination of the spin‐lattice relaxation time ( T 1 ) continuously over five decades of Larmor frequency. The method can be exploited to observe the T 1 frequency dependence of protons, as well as any other NMR‐sensitive nuclei, such as 2 H, 13 C, 31 P, and 19 F in a wide range of substances and materials. The information obtained is directly correlated with the physical/chemical properties of the compound and can be represented as a ‘nuclear magnetic resonance dispersion’ curve. We present some recent academic and industrial applications showing the relevance of exploiting FFC NMR relaxometry in complex materials to study the molecular dynamics or, simply, for fingerprinting or quality control purposes. The basic nuclear magnetic resonance dispersion features are outlined in representative examples of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, porous media, proteins, and food stuffs. We will focus on the new directions and perspectives for the FFC technique. For instance, the introduction of the latest Wide Bore FFC NMR relaxometers allows probing, for the first time, of the dynamics of confined surface water contained in the macro‐pores of carbonate rock cores. We also evidence the use of the latest field cycling technology with a new cryogen‐free variable‐field electromagnet, which enhances the range of available frequencies in the 2D T 1 – T 2 correlation spectrum for separating oil and water in crude oil. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.