Interfacing Liquid State Hyperpolarization Methods with NMR Instrumentation

Abstract

Advances in liquid state hyperpolarization methods have enabled new applications of high-resolution NMR spectroscopy. Utilizing strong signal enhancements from hyperpolarization allows performing NMR spectroscopy at low concentration, or with high time resolution. Making use of the high, but rapidly decaying hyperpolarization in the liquid state requires new techniques to interface hyperpolarization equipment with liquid state NMR spectrometers. This article highlights rapid injection, high resolution NMR spectroscopy with hyperpolarization produced by the techniques of dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (D-DNP) and para-hydrogen induced polarization (PHIP). These are popular, albeit not the only methods to produce high polarization levels for liquid samples. Gas and liquid driven sample injection techniques are compatible with both of these hyperpolarization methods. The rapid sample injection techniques are combined with adapted NMR experiments working in a single, or small number of scans. They expand the application of liquid state hyperpolarization to spins with comparably short relaxation times, provide enhanced control over sample conditions, and allow for mixing experiments to study reactions in real time.