NMR-Lev: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy applied to Levitating material

Research Project, 2019 – 2021

Our major objective is, for the first time, the precise introduction of a single levitating droplet surrounded by a controlled atmosphere in an NMR magnet, to carry out advanced spectroscopy for chemical analyses, three-dimensional microscopy, and diffusion studies. As described in this research proposal, the technique development will provide an analytical resolution of self-standing droplet properties in terms of time, space, chemical sensitivity, and mass transport.This will be achieved by integrating an acoustic levitator based on the cutting-edge development of acoustic levitation in a high field NMR magnet, and by developing compatible NMR methodologies.The project will have three main steps. The first step is the development of a non-magnetic levitator using low intensity ceramic transducers operating with acoustic delay lines to reach stable and precise positioning of the droplet. In the second step we will concentrate on the integration of the levitator in NMR analysis. The last part of the project will focus on applying the methodology in concrete examples.Acoustic levitation implemented in NMR will impact a variety of scientifically and industrially relevant research in materials science, chemical engineering, life science, and medical technology. It will allow, for example, studying drying processes of complex mixtures, monitoring gelling in situ, or following protein crystallization, and that in individual confinement in the absence of surface-induced artifacts.