Dip NMR Spectroscope on Chip for in situ Catalysis Monitoring – Dip-NMR

The Dip-NMR aims at realizing the first in operando catalytic reaction monitoring system with an acquisition rate of 1 sample per second. The main challenges of this project will be the design of microprobe enabling fast acquisition of NMR signal under a moderate magnetic field (typically 1T), the integration of a small permanent magnet around the probe and the integration of the electronics circuit in charge of the control of the of the probe, the generation of NMR pulses sequences and the signal processing (measurement of the NMR spectrum and quantification).

The sensitivity of the probe and the quality of the NMR signal are critical for this project: the high expected measurement rate makes impossible the averaging of multiple spectra to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. Cornerstones of such system are the permanent magnet and the homogeneity of the magnetic field generated by the magnet in the measurement area, the thermal drift and the thermal sensitivity of the device, the quality (noise figure) of the electronics, and specifically the power amplifier and the preamplifier. Moreover, in order to obtain reliable results, the monitoring system should have no impact on the reaction process.

We built a strong and complementary consortium composed of the ICube laboratory, the Institute of Chemistry of the University of Strasbourg, the University of Applied Sciences Northwesters Switzerland and the RS2D company. They gather the required knowledge and know-how to tackle aforementioned challenges (design of integrated analog and digital circuit, discrete circuits, software, signal processing, modeling and simulation, NMR control, experimental chemistry) and already worked together in other transdisciplinary projects. The expected project duration is 48 months with a tentative budget of 508.333 €

The project is divided in 5 main workpackages (WP). The WP1 concerns the specifications of the system and the development of a virtual prototype that will accompany the design process and will be updated all along the project. The WP2 concerns the realization of the first prototype of the device which will be composed of an integrated chip and a discrete control and processing unit realized by RS2D. The design, the assembly and the characterization of the microprobe will take about half of the project time. The WP3 concerns the realization of the complete system for the monitoring of reactions. It encompasses the improvement of the microprobes and the control electronics, the integration of specific pulse sequences and efficient processing algorithms. The deliverable for this task is expected 36 months after the beginning of the project. The WP4 will be the experimental part of the project. It will be mostly realized the Institute of Chemistry. Milestones will be first the measurement of the RMN spectrum on standard solutions, and second, the test of the complete device on actual reactions. Finally, WP5 is project coordination.

The potential applications range of the device is large. It will bring the NMR to the reaction instead of the opposite. In addition, the outcome of the project can be extended to others domains of sciences such as the biology and the pharmaceutics. Its miniaturization and its reduced maintenance costs, in comparison of standard NMR, are its major assets.

In conclusion, the Dip-RMN project meets the expectations of the challenge B-3 « Stimulate the industrial renewal » of the ANR. Our aim is to obtain a preindustrial prototype, ready for technological transfer, at the end of the project.