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Solid state NMR Service

Sample Submission

Samples submitted to the Service must be accompanied by a sample submission form: download  online.

Sample form

We prefer dry, air-stable powders. The particle size is not critical - anything under about 0.5 mm is usually fine enough. We can also look at films and fibres (we will cut them up so that they fit in a rotor). Large blocks of sample will need to be broken up (discuss this with us).

Please talk to us before sending samples that are air-sensitive, samples that contain water or other solvent, soft samples,  paramagnetic samples (including paramagnetic impurities),  conducting samples or samples that would present a health risk if released.

Sample amount

We would like 250 mg of material.  If you cannot provide this much please discuss the options with us (some measurements require this amount to produce good quality results but others require less).

Sending samples

Package samples well to avoid breakage in the post. Unfortunately, packages sent through normal mail do go missing occasionally, so consider using registered mail, recorded delivery or a courier if the sample is particularly valuable.

Acknowledgement of sample receipt

We do acknowledge receipt of samples, so please get in touch if you do not hear from us.

Acceptance of samples

On-receipt, requests for measurements will be scored by the Service according to these criteria:

  • appropriateness of SSNMR (1-3, 3 = highly appropriate),
  • appropriateness of time request (1-3, 3 = requested measurements possible in less than 100 hours of instrument time),
  • funding (0-3, 3 = current EPSRC-funded project),
  • track record (0-2, 2 = good use of Service data and publication record).

High-scoring requests (9 or more) will be allowed access to the Service without further review.  Clearly inappropriate requests (3 or less) will be rejected (subject to appeal). Other requests will be referred to the Steering Committee for a decision on access. EPSRC-funded users will be given priority. Users may appeal the access decision on access to the Steering Committee (by following the complaints procedure).