nanoNMRI

Our group nanoNMRI is involved in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Imaging for the study of nanostructured materials and living systems.

Historically, we have successfully used high resolution solid state NMR to investigate the electronic, magnetic and dynamical properties of fullerenes, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) and some of their derivatives like functionalized, intercalated, hydrogenated, encapsulated SWNTs and composite systems. For this purpose, we have developed in collaboration with several Materials Science groups, isotopical engineering for the synthesis of SWNTS and a new magnetic purification method.

During the last two years, we have developed a new project concerning a strategy to detect NMR signals in the near field of the object of interest with the use of microscopic radio-frequency detectors. Our aim is to apply near-field techniques to NMR spectroscopy and imaging to the study of living systems. Up to now, we demonstrated the possibility of detecting NMR signals with very good sensitivity and spectral resolution in reference liquids and real samples like cherry tomato or mouse brain. We are investigating the possibility to extend our findings to the localization of the NMR signals in order to perform localized spectroscopy and imaging by controlling the displacement of the microprobe. In the light of these potential developments, one expects unprecedented spatial, temporal and spectral resolutions leading to an accurate understanding of the physical, chemical and biological interplays existing in an ensemble of living cells or even a single cell.