Gutmann et al., “Dynamic Nuclear Polarization Signal Amplification as a Sensitive Probe for Specific Functionalization of Complex Paper Substrates.”
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b11751
In this work, it is shown how solid-state NMR combined with dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) can be employed as a powerful tool to selectively enhance the spectral intensity of functional groups on the surface of cellulose fibers in paper materials. As a model system, a poly(benzyl methacrylate) (PBEMA)-functionalized paper material is chosen that contains hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains. Detailed analysis of the DNP NMR data and of T1ρ data suggests that inhomogeneous 1H–1H spin diffusion is responsible for the observed differences in signal enhancement. These findings are fundamental for structural understanding of complex paper substrates for fluid transport or sensor materials.