NMR and inorganic materials

Team leader: Prof. Olivier Lafon

Associate team leader: Dr François Mear

• Theme 1: Solid-state NMR spectroscopy of quadrupolar nuclei at high magnetic fields

We develop innovative methods to observe the local environment of quadrupolar nuclei (²⁷Al, ¹¹B, ³⁵Cl, etc.), which account for 75% of the nuclei observable by NMR, by probing their proximity to their neighbours. One of the challenges is to observe less sensitive quadrupolar nuclei (¹⁴N, ¹⁷O, ^47,49Ti, ⁶⁷Zn, etc). This research is based on simulations of spin dynamics and experiments on very high field NMR spectrometers (800, 900 MHz and 1.2 GHz) of Lille facility.

• Theme 2: Adsorption and active sites of adsorbents and heterogeneous catalysts

We investigate organometallic catalysts, porous materials, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOF), and zeolites, as well as amorphous alumina-silicas, with applications in hydrogen and CO₂ capture, pollution control and biomass recovery. Using very high-field solid-state NMR spectroscopy, we probe the local environment of metal sites (²⁷Al, ⁹⁵Mo, etc.) and ¹⁷O nuclei.

• Theme 3: Structure-stability-properties relationships of materials with photovoltaic and optoelectronic properties

Our goal is to better understand these relationships for hybrid perovskites, organic semiconductors and quantum dots. Using solid-state NMR spectroscopy combined with other techniques, we are studying the stability of hybrid perovskites and organic semiconductors. In particular, solid-state NMR spectroscopy is used to identify atomic-scale structural changes and degradation products.

• Theme 4: development and characterization (in particular by NMR) of oxide glasses with innovative properties

Target applications for these oxide glasses include protection against oxidation of carbonaceous materials, fuel cell seals, heterogeneous catalysis and solid electrolytes. In particular, we are developing self-healing glass materials. The development of these glassy materials is based on structural and dynamic information obtained by NMR spectroscopy of solids.