New applications and perspectives of fast field cycling NMR relaxometry

The field cycling NMR relaxometry method (also known as fast field cycling (FFC) when instruments employing fast electrical switching of the magnetic field are used) allows determination of the spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) continuously over five decades of Larmor frequency. The method can be exploited to observe the T1 frequency dependence of protons, as well as any other NMR-sensitive nuclei, such as 2H, 13C, 31P, and 19F in a wide range of substances and materials. The information obtained is directly correlated with the physical/chemical properties of the compound and can be represented as a ‘nuclear magnetic resonance dispersion’ curve. We present some recent academic and industrial applications showing the relevance of exploiting FFC NMR relaxometry in complex materials to study the molecular dynamics or, simply, for fingerprinting or quality control purposes. The basic nuclear magnetic resonance dispersion features are outlined in representative examples of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, porous media, proteins, and food stuffs. We will focus on the new directions and perspectives for the FFC technique. For instance, the introduction of the latest Wide Bore FFC NMR relaxometers allows probing, for the first time, of the dynamics of confined surface water contained in the macro-pores of carbonate rock cores. We also evidence the use of the latest field cycling technology with a new cryogen-free variable-field electromagnet, which enhances the range of available frequencies in the 2D T1–T2 correlation spectrum for separating oil and water in crude oil. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.