800 MHz solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer for materials and food science (NMR)

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy probes the chemical environment of atoms in matter by subjecting it to a strong magnetic field and communicating with a selection of its atoms using “radio signals”. With the present investment KU Leuven acquires a top level solid state NMR spectrometer (800 MHz), unique in Flanders, as part of its ambition to lead NMR technology development in collaboration with a world leading spectrometer manufacturer.

Sensitivity is a critical aspect of NMR measurements. One of the key targets of this project is the realisation of hyperpolarization on solid samples using parahydrogen, a technique to dramatically boost the sensitivity of the measurements. The new spectrometer and sensitivity enhancement technology will initially be dedicated to in-situ probing of catalyst materials & the process of bread making in food science. This initiative is expected to head a breakthrough in catalysis and food science, two fields where enhanced NMR sensitivity and resolution are essential to study low-concentration components in complex mixtures.