Sensitivity-enhanced multinuclear solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) instrument.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy probes the “radio signals” of atomic nuclei in molecules and materials in a strong magnetic field. Applied in the area of porous materials for catalysis, this type of spectroscopy yields detailed information about the nanostructure of the studied materials, and the mobility and reactions of molecules inside the pores. The proposed Hercules investment will allow KU Leuven to acquire a state-of-the-art NMR spectrometer consisting of a 11.7 T helium-free superconducting magnet connected to the most advanced console. Using this advanced NMR instrument we aim at obtaining a step change in the NMR detection sensitivity and measurement-time efficiency. This will be realized by releasing the power of symmetry breaking, when a special type of hydrogen molecules react with the internal surface.