Two-dimensional triple-quantum Na MAS NMR spectroscopy of sodium cations in dehydrated zeolites

Two-dimensional triple-quantum (2D-3Q) ²³Na MAS NMR spectroscopy has been applied for the investigation of sodium cations in dehydrated zeolites NaY, NaEMT, NaZSM-5 and NaMOR. The experiments have shown that the new 2D-3Q technique allows the determination of the isotropic chemical shifts and quadrupolar couplings of sodium cations with SOQE (second-order quadrupolar effect) parameters of up to ca. 4 MHz. In the present work, SOQE parameters of 1.0–1.2 MHz were found for sodium cations located at positions SI in the hexagonal prisms of dehydrated zeolites NaY and NaEMT. The sodium cations located in the 10-ring and 12-ring channels of dehydrated zeolites NaZSM-5 and NaMOR, respectively, are characterized by a SOQE parameter of 2.0 MHz while a value of 3.1 MHz was determined for sodium cations in the sidepockets of the channels in dehydrated NaMOR.     

Na solid state MAS NMR of sodium halides occluded in zeolites

Occlusion of sodium chloride and sodium bromide in zeolitic pores was performed by heating mixtures of the salts with zeolites NaY and NaA under high vacuum conditions. The obtained samples were subjected to various further pretreatments like washing with water and zinc-exchange, and were investigated spectroscopically with the ²³Na MAS NMR technique at various Zeeman field strengths. In the case of NaY, the halides are occluded in both types of cages of the faujasite structure. About 90% of the sodalite cages are shown to have incorporated salt which is concluded to be part of [Na₄Hal]³⁺ clusters as in the case of sodalite type materials.     

Temperature calibration for high-temperature MAS NMR to 913 K: 63Cu MAS NMR of CuBr and CuI, and 23Na MAS NMR of NaNbO3

The solid-state phase transitions of CuBr, CuI and NaNbO₃ can be readily observed using ⁶³Cu and ²³Na high-temperature magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Temperature has large, linear effects on the peak maximum of ⁶³Cu in each solid phase of CuBr and CuI, and there is large jump in shift across each phase transition. The ²³Na MAS NMR peak intensities and the line widths in NaNbO₃ also clearly show its high-temperature transition to the cubic phase. These data can be used to calibrate high-temperature MAS NMR probes up to 913 K, which is two hundred degrees higher than the commonly-used temperature calibration based on the chemical shift of ²⁰⁷Pb in Pb(NO₃)₂.     

Determination of the (Na+) Sternheimer antishielding factor by 23Na NMR spectroscopy on sodium oxide chloride, Na3OCl

The (Na⁺) Sternheimer antishielding factor γ_∞ (Na⁺) was determined by ²³Na NMR spectroscopy on sodium oxide chloride, Na₃OCl. The quadrupolar coupling constant of the sodium ion in Na₃OCl was determined to QCC=11.34 MHz, which presents the largest coupling constant of a sodium nucleus observed so far. Applying a simple point charge model, the largest principal value of the electric field gradient at the sodium site was calculated to V_zz=−6.76762·10²⁰ V/m². From these values we calculated the (Na⁺) Sternheimer antishielding factor to γ_∞ (Na⁺)=−5.36. In sodium oxide, Na₂O, we observed an isotropic chemical shift of δ_CS=55.1 ppm, referenced to 1 M aqueous NaCl (δ=0 ppm).     

A multiple-field (23)Na NMR study of sodium species in porous carbons

The sodium environments in porous carbon materials prepared from NaOH activation of a char were investigated by means of multiple-field solid-state ²³Na NMR measurements, carried out at magnetic fields of 4.7, 8.45 and 14.1 T, with single-pulse excitation and magic angle spinning (MAS). The recorded spectra showed a relatively featureless resonance with linewidth and peak shift strongly dependent on the magnetic field strength and on the hydration level of the samples. The existence of second-order quadrupolar effects was inferred, although the structural disorder and the mobile character associated with the Na environment precluded the direct observation of typical quadrupolar features in the MAS NMR spectra. The analysis of the spectra collected at multiple magnetic fields yielded the values of −2.8 ppm for the isotropic chemical shift and 1.8 MHz for the quadrupole coupling constant, which were interpreted as due to Na⁺ ions bonded to oxygenated groups at the edges of the graphene planes within the carbon pore network.     

Powder MAS NMR lineshapes of quadrupolar nuclei in the presence of second-order quadrupole interaction

We derive a complete analytical solution for the powder magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) lineshape in the presence of second-order quadrupole interaction, considering a radiofrequency (rf) pulse of finite width, a finite MAS frequency, and a non-zero asymmetry parameter. I_x is calculated using two approaches. The first applies time-dependent perturbation theory in the presence of the rf pulse and stationary perturbation theory (SPT) in its absence. The second is based on the Magnus expansion of the density matrix in the interaction representation during the pulse and SPT in its absence. We solve the problem in the laboratory frame using the properties of the Fourier transform and spin operators. Diagonalisation is not required. Both approaches agree well with each other under all conditions and also with the transition probability approach for the central transition. The Magnus expansion exists at all times and the effect of the non-secular terms is negligible. We describe an analytical method of averaging I_x over the Euler angles and simulate the ¹¹B MAS NMR lineshapes for crystalline and vitreous B₂O₃. A critical analysis is given of all earlier calculations of the MAS NMR lineshape.     

A new method for suppressing the central transition in I=3/2 NMR spectra with a demonstration for 23Na in bovine articular cartilage

The splitting and the lineshape of the satellite transitions of 23Na are measures of the residual quadrupolar interaction and its distribution, which are related to the degrees of order and binding of sodium in biological tissues. However, these transitions are often masked by the stronger signals of the central transition and the isotropic sodium ions. A way to suppress the central signals, while preserving the lineshape and the intensity of the satellites, is suggested and tested on a liquid crystal and on bovine articular cartilage.     

H MAS and H[Na] double resonance NMR studies on the modification of surface hydroxyl groups of γ-alumina by sodium

The modification of surface hydroxyl groups with sodium in a series of Na₂CO₃-γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts was investigated as a function of both the Na₂CO₃ loading and the calcination temperature by means of ¹H magic angle spinning (MAS) and ¹H[²³Na] spin-echo double resonance NMR techniques. The ¹H NMR experiments revealed that sodium ions are homogeneously distributed over the alumina surface and closely coordinated with the surface hydroxyl groups. In the catalysts calcined at 250 °C, the acidic hydroxyl groups (with a chemical shift of 2.0 ppm) are preferentially associated with sodium ions at low Na₂CO₃ coverages (5 and 10%), while both the acidic and the basic (0 ppm) hydroxyl groups are accessible for sodium ions at high coverages (15 and 20%). The coordination causes a low-field shift of about 2 ppm in the ¹H MAS spectra, and a broad signal at 4.5 ppm appears. It is interesting that the 4.5 ppm signal is completely suppressed in the ¹H[²³Na] MAS experiments, providing direct evidence that a strong interaction exists between adsorbed sodium ions and the surface hydroxyl groups. Increasing the calcination temperature to 450 °C results in preferential removal of the acidic hydroxyl groups, and only the most basic hydroxyl groups remain when the calcination temperature is raised to 600 °C. This is attributed to the formation of the coordinated species which enhances the acidity of the surface hydroxyl groups and prompts their dehydroxylation, especially at high calcination temperature. Correlation of the ¹H MAS NMR results and catalytic activity measurements indicates that the basic hydroxyl groups are essential for the carbonyl sulfide hydrolysis reaction.     

A simple theoretical treatment of quadrupolar effects on magic-angle-spinning solid-state NMR spectra of spin-1/2 nuclei in the limit of large quadrupole coupling constants

A simple approach is discussed for studying the effect of quadrupolar nuclei on the magic-angle-spinning solid-state NMR lines of spin-1/2 nuclei in the limit of large quadrupole coupling constants. Equations are derived both for the isotropic shifts and the Pake-like powder patterns for any quadrupolar spin and for arbitrary orientations of the internuclear vector with respect to the unique axis of an axially symmetric quadrupole tensor. First-order effects due to a small Zeeman perturbation on these lines are explored, as well as deviations from axial symmetry in the electric field gradient when S = 3/2 quadrupolar nuclei are involved. Spectral parameters likely to be observed in the case of coupling between ³¹P and ²⁰¹Hg are also discussed.     

High-field high-speed MAS resolution enhancement in 1H NMR spectroscopy of solids

Resolution in ¹H NMR spectra of solids can be significantly enhanced with fast magic-angle spinning and high magnetic fields. A variable field and spinning speed study up to 25 T and 40 kHz shows that the homogeneous line broadening is inversely proportional to the product of magnetic field strength and spinning speed. The combination of high field and fast speed yields a ¹H linewidth approaching the intrinsic limit determined by anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility. An analysis of the anisotropic magnetic susceptibility line broadening is presented.     

Sodium-23 MAS NMR study on nuclear quadrupole interaction in NA(1-x)Ag(x)NO2.

Ag-impurity effects on the first- and second-order quadrupole interaction (QI) at ²³Na site in an isomorphic mixed system, Na_1−xAg_xNO₂ (x=0, 0.0084, 0.026, 0.079, 0.094, 0.16), have been investigated by employing ²³Na (I=3/2) magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) technique. The central transition (CT) and satellite transition (ST) are simultaneously observed with this system. From the spectral analysis, the quadrupole parameter and its distribution width are obtained as a function of Ag concentration. From the intensity loss of CT MAS centerband and of the envelope function of ST MAS sidebands due to impurities, the range of their influence on the second- and first-order QI is estimated. The estimated ranges contain the second and first neighbouring Na sites from the resonating ²³Na nucleus for the first- and second-order QI, respectively.     

A (27)Al MAS NMR study of a sol-gel produced alumina: Identification of the NMR parameters of the theta-Al(2)O(3) transition alumina phase

²⁷Al MAS NMR has been used to study a sol–gel prepared alumina annealed at various temperatures. Two-field simulation of the sample heated to 1200 °C confirmed the presence of corundum, as suggested by XRD, and also the presence of nanocrystalline θ-Al₂O₃. ²⁷Al MAS NMR chemical shifts, quadrupolar coupling constants and asymmetry parameters are reported for the tetrahedral and octahedral aluminium sites within θ-Al₂O₃.     

Oxygen sites in the zeolite stilbite: a comparison of static, MAS, VAS, DAS and triple quantum MAS NMR techniques

Static, magic angle spinning (MAS), variable angle spinning (VAS), dynamic angle spinning (DAS) and triple quantum magic angle spinning (3QMAS) NMR techniques were applied to separate and quantify oxygen signals from Al–O–Si and Si–O–Si sites of ¹⁷O-enriched samples of the mineral stilbite, a natural zeolite. DAS experiments showed that there was a distribution of quadrupolar coupling constants, asymmetry parameters and isotropic chemical shifts. Two methods were used to study the quantification problem of DAS and 3QMAS. Our results showed that DAS was quantitative. In 3QMAS, signal intensity from sites with larger quadrupolar coupling constants was reduced because of less efficient excitation. All techniques have shown a clear difference in rates of exchange between the two types of sites with interchannel H₂O molecules.     

The Influence of the Radiofrequency Excitation and Conversion Pulses on the Lineshapes and Intensities of the Triple-Quantum MAS NMR Spectra of I = 3/2 Nuclei

A rigorous examination of the various multiple-quantum magic angle spinning sequences is carried out with reference to sensitivity enhancement in the isotropic dimension and the lineshapes of the corresponding MAS peaks in the anisotropic dimension. An echo efficiency parameter is defined here, which is shown to be an indicator of the performance aspects of the various sequences. This can be used in the design of further new experiments in this field. A consequence of such a systematic analysis has been the combination of a spin-lock pulse for excitation of multiple-quantum coherences and an amplitude-modulated pulse for their conversion to observable single-quantum coherences. This approach has resulted in an improved performance over other sequences with respect to both the anisotropic lineshapes and the isotropic intensities.     

The influence of the radiofrequency excitation and conversion pulses on the lineshapes and intensities of the triple-quantum MAS NMR spectra of I = 3/2 nuclei

A rigorous examination of the various multiple-quantum magic angle spinning sequences is carried out with reference to sensitivity enhancement in the isotropic dimension and the lineshapes of the corresponding MAS peaks in the anisotropic dimension. An echo efficiency parameter is defined here, which is shown to be an indicator of the performance aspects of the various sequences. This can be used in the design of further new experiments in this field. A consequence of such a systematic analysis has been the combination of a spin-lock pulse for excitation of multiple-quantum coherences and an amplitude-modulated pulse for their conversion to observable single-quantum coherences. This approach has resulted in an improved performance over other sequences with respect to both the anisotropic lineshapes and the isotropic intensities.     

MAS NMR spectra of quadrupolar nuclei in disordered solids: the Czjzek model

Structural disorder at the scale of two to three atomic positions around the probe nucleus results in variations of the EFG and thus in a distribution of the quadrupolar interaction. This distribution is at the origin of the lineshape tailing toward high fields which is often observed in the MAS NMR spectra of quadrupolar nuclei in disordered solids. The Czjzek model provides an analytical expression for the joint distribution of the NMR quadrupolar parameters upsilon(Q) and eta from which a lineshape can be predicted. This model is derived from the Central Limit Theorem and the statistical isotropy inherent to disorder. It is thus applicable to a wide range of materials as we have illustrated for 27Al spectra on selected examples of glasses (slag), spinels (alumina), and hydrates (cement aluminum hydrates). In particular, when relevant, the use of the Czjzek model allows a quantitative decomposition of the spectra and an accurate extraction of the second moment of the quadrupolar product. In this respect, it is important to realize that only rotational invariants such as the quadrupolar product can make sense to describe the quadrupolar interaction in disordered solids.     

Sodium-23 MAS NMR study on nuclear quadrupole interaction in Na1−xAgxNO2

Ag-impurity effects on the first- and second-order quadrupole interaction (QI) at ²³Na site in an isomorphic mixed system, Na_1−xAg_xNO₂ (x=0, 0.0084, 0.026, 0.079, 0.094, 0.16), have been investigated by employing ²³Na (I=3/2) magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) technique. The central transition (CT) and satellite transition (ST) are simultaneously observed with this system. From the spectral analysis, the quadrupole parameter and its distribution width are obtained as a function of Ag concentration. From the intensity loss of CT MAS centerband and of the envelope function of ST MAS sidebands due to impurities, the range of their influence on the second- and first-order QI is estimated. The estimated ranges contain the second and first neighbouring Na sites from the resonating ²³Na nucleus for the first- and second-order QI, respectively.     

Determination of the (Na) Sternheimer antishielding factor by Na NMR spectroscopy on sodium oxide chloride, Na3OCl

The (Na⁺) Sternheimer antishielding factor γ_∞ (Na⁺) was determined by ²³Na NMR spectroscopy on sodium oxide chloride, Na₃OCl. The quadrupolar coupling constant of the sodium ion in Na₃OCl was determined to QCC=11.34 MHz, which presents the largest coupling constant of a sodium nucleus observed so far. Applying a simple point charge model, the largest principal value of the electric field gradient at the sodium site was calculated to V_zz=−6.76762·10²⁰ V/m². From these values we calculated the (Na⁺) Sternheimer antishielding factor to γ_∞ (Na⁺)=−5.36. In sodium oxide, Na₂O, we observed an isotropic chemical shift of δ_CS=55.1 ppm, referenced to 1 M aqueous NaCl (δ=0 ppm).     

An NMR thermometer for cryogenic magic-angle spinning NMR: the spin-lattice relaxation of (127)I in cesium iodide

The accurate temperature measurement of solid samples under magic-angle spinning (MAS) is difficult in the cryogenic regime. It has been demonstrated by Thurber et al. (J. Magn. Reson., 196 (2009) 84-87) [10] that the temperature dependent spin-lattice relaxation time constant of ⁷⁹Br in KBr powder can be useful for measuring sample temperature under MAS over a wide temperature range (20–296 K). However the value of T₁ exceeds 3 min at temperatures below 20 K, which is inconveniently long. In this communication, we show that the spin-lattice relaxation time constant of ¹²⁷I in CsI powder can be used to accurately measure sample temperature under MAS within a reasonable experimental time down to 10 K.     

Effects of T2-relaxation in MAS NMR spectra of the satellite transitions for quadrupolar nuclei: a 27Al MAS and single-crystal NMR study of alum KAl(SO4)2.12H2O

Asymmetries in the manifold of spinning sidebands (ssbs) from the satellite transitions have been observed in variable-temperature 27Al MAS NMR spectra of alum (KAl(SO4)2.12H2O), recorded in the temperature range from -76 to 92 degrees C. The asymmetries decrease with increasing temperature and reflect the fact that the ssbs exhibit systematically different linewidths for different spectral regions of the manifold. From spin-echo 27Al NMR experiments on a single-crystal of alum, it is demonstrated that these variations in linewidth originate from differences in transverse (T2) relaxation times for the two inner (m=1/2<-->m=3/2 and m=-1/2<-->m=-3/2) and correspondingly for the two outer (m=3/2<-->m=5/2 and m=-3/2<-->m=-5/2) satellite transitions. T2 relaxation times in the range 0.5-3.5 ms are observed for the individual satellite transitions at -50 degrees C and 7.05 T, whereas the corresponding T1 relaxation times, determined from similar saturation-recovery 27Al NMR experiments, are almost constant (T1=0.07-0.10 s) for the individual satellite transitions. The variation in T2 values for the individual 27Al satellite transitions for alum is justified by a simple theoretical approach which considers the cross-correlation of the local fluctuating fields from the quadrupolar coupling and the heteronuclear (27Al-1H) dipolar interaction on the T2 relaxation times for the individual transitions. This approach and the observed differences in T2 values indicate that a single random motional process modulates both the quadrupolar and heteronuclear dipolar interactions for 27Al in alum at low temperatures.