Introduction to solid-state NMR of inorganic materials

ECTS credits: 5 ECTS

Course parameters:

Language: English

Level of course: PhD course

Time of year: Q2 2026

No. of contact hours: 4 – 5 hours per week

Capacity limits: Max 10 participants

Course fee: None 

Objectives of the course:

The course gives a basic introduction to the theory behind solid-state NMR, including anisotropic nuclear spin interactions and multiple-pulse NMR experiments.

Six practical exercises serve as an illustration of the NMR theory. These have their origin in magic-angle spinning, cross-polarization, dipolar recoupling, and multiple-quantum MAS experiments (for quadrupolar nuclei) and illustrate their applications in studies of inorganic materials (e.g., polymers, zeolites/AlPO4’s, and Portland cement-based materials). The exercises are mandatory for all participants and must be concluded by a report. Approval of these reports is a prerequisite for attending the final oral evaluation.

Learning outcomes and competences:

At the end of the course, the student should be able to:

• Describe the basic theory behind solid-state NMR including the most important nuclear spin interactions.
• Describe how solid-state NMR experiments are performed on modern NMR equipment.
• Analyze solid-state NMR spectra by using numerical simulations and determine the nuclear spin interaction parameters describing the structure of a compound.
• Describe the concept of dipolar recoupling and its application to obtain structural information.
• Relate experimental NMR parameters and chemical/atomic structure.
• Discuss which solid-state NMR experiments can be used to shed light on different important structural problems.

Compulsory program:

The exercises are mandatory for all participants and must be concluded by a report. Approval of these reports is a prerequisite for attending the final oral evaluation. The students may have to give a presentation of a paper or similar during the course.

Course contents:

2 lectures per week,

2 hours of theoretical exercises every second week

3 hours of experimental exercises every second week 

Prerequisites:

Bachelor degree in chemistry, physics, or nanoscience or similar.

Name of lecturer:

Jørgen Skibsted

Type of course/teaching methods:

Lectures, theoretical exercises, laboratory exercises, and student presentations

Literature:

Notes, parts of textbooks, and articles. To be announced at the beginning of the course.

Course homepage:

Will be available at Brightspace 

Course assessment:

Approved reports associated with the laboratory exercises. An oral exam (25 min.) based on one of the experimental reports (pass/fail evaluation).

Provider:

Department of Chemistry

Special comments on this course:

This course will only take place this Fall. 

Time: To be decided at the first lecture: Wednesday September 2^nd, 14:00 In room 1511-215 

Place: Department of Chemistry, Laboratories 

Course fee:

None.

Registration:

Registration by e-mail to Jørgen Skibsted not later than 7^th September 2026.