Nmr of phosphorus-containing solids

Abstract

The purpose of this work has been the determination of structure in solids using the technique of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. High-resolution (^31) p NMR spectra have been obtained for a range of phosphate species. A number of techniques have been applied to these systems including cross-polarization, magic angle spinning, and high power proton decoupling. Characterisation using additional NMR techniques such as (^1) H cramps has been carried out wherever possible. The results obtained yield molecular and crystallographic information consistent with data from X-ray diffraction when known. Shielding tensor components were determined from static and/or spinning spectra wherever possible. The phosphate species studied include a series of precipitated calcium phosphates. A particular model for the structure of amorphous calcium phosphate is favoured in the light of (^31) p NMR measurements. One sample showed NMR evidence for changes in composition whilst in the solid state. The origins of (^31) p NMR line widths in high-resolution solid-state spectra have been considered in some detail. Variation of (^31) p NMR linewidth as function of spinning rate has been noted for a number phosphate compounds. Multiple pulse techniques have been applied on the phosphorus channel with pleasing improvements in spectral resolution. Five solid binary phosphorus sulphides have also been studied using phosphorus MAS NMR, and the results compared to solution state data wherever possible. A number of anomalies between solution and solid-state data have been noted and discussed.