Ribal Jabbour
Post : Research Associate
As a chemist, I pursued a path that resulted in my expertise in Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy throughout my PhD at the center of high field NMR in Lyon France at Université Claude Bernard under the supervision of Dr. Anne Lesage. Upon completion of my PhD I joined as a Research Engineer in Aix-Marseille University where I was responsible for the DNP setup, mentoring and training students on the use of DNP NMR and also maintaining the magnet for a period of two years.
I have focused my research on studying materials in great detail, using advanced DNP NMR techniques to examine their atomic structure and behavior. As an experimentalist, I excel in the laboratory, where abstract concepts intersect with physical reality. I have a comprehensive proficiency in DNP, starting from the basics, which includes the calibration and upkeep of advanced NMR equipment, the preparation and manipulation of samples, and the precise implementation of DNP-enhanced studies that unveil the intricacies of sample composition.
I possess extensive knowledge in leveraging the potential of DNP to optimize NMR sensitivity. This enables the examination of materials with an exceptional level of precision and thoroughness. My work in DNP NMR encompasses the fields of chemistry, physics, and engineering demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach to resolving intricate issues.
In my current research on DNP NMR, a broad spectrum of topics critical to the advancement of the field is addressed. One key focus is on optimizing sample formulations to enhance DNP efficiency, which is essential for making DNP NMR more effective, particularly in challenging applications like bio-NMR. This involves finding the optimal balance of formulations and conditions to achieve the highest possible polarization transfer from electrons to nuclei, a fundamental aspect of DNP. The investigation into direct electron transfer, depending on the polarizing agent (PA) used, is especially significant. This research explores various PAs to identify those that can most effectively transfer polarization directly. This can lead to substantial improvements in signal enhancement and overall experimental efficiency. Additionally, research into different decoupling schemes is underway, focusing on minimizing undesired interactions that can distort the NMR signal. By testing various schemes, the aim is to determine the optimal conditions that preserve signal integrity while maximizing sensitivity and resolution. The study of MOF systems using both endogenous and exogenous DNP is another intriguing aspect of my research. This approach allows for the exploration of how different sources of polarization—whether naturally occurring within the material or externally introduced—can influence the results. The combination of EPR and DNP in this research is particularly powerful, as EPR provides detailed information about the electronic environment, which can be directly correlated with the DNP results to gain deeper insights into the material's properties.
In summary, this research is at the forefront of DNP NMR, with a strong emphasis on improving the technique's efficiency and applicability to a wide range of materials, from biomolecules to complex industrial materials like MOFs and cements.