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Alex Bain (Chemistry)

Gillian Goward (Chemistry)

Gary Schrobilgen (Chemistry)

Giuseppe Melacini (Chemistry and Biochemistry)

Bob Berno (NMR Facility)

NMR Facility (Chemistry)

Bruker Users Mail (BUM)


Post-Doc in NMR Spectroscopy of Lithium Ion Battery Materials (Jan 10/12)

An opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow is available in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at McMaster University. The successful candidate will work in the research group of Dr. Goward and the focus of this industry-funded position will be research on development and application of in situ NMR measurements of electrochemical lithium ion cells, with an aim to understand processes in vehicle batteries. This position is intended for a physical chemist interested in moving into a new research area, or for an NMR spectroscopist, interested in using their NMR expertise in this applied field. (knowledge of electrochemistry and material chemistry is also an asset). This research project will involve close collaboration with material scientists, chemists, and mathematicians, as well as research scientists with our Industrial Partners.

The fellowship is open to candidates of any nationality and selection will be based upon the candidate's research potential. The start date of the position is May 1, 2012. The duration of the position will be initially one year with extension for the second year contingent on satisfactory performance. The annual salary will be $45,000 CAD. We will begin reviewing applications on March 1, 2012. Applications received after this date will be accepted until the position is filled, and to ensure full consideration, applicants are advised to submit all supporting materials by the deadline.

Applicants should provide at least three letters of recommendation. They may be sent directly to:

Dr. Gillian Goward
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario, CANADA L8S 4M1
Phone: +1 (905) 525 9140 ext. 24176
Fax: +1 (905) 522-2509
Email: goward "at" mcmaster.ca
URL: http://www.chemistry.mcmaster.ca/goward

McMaster is committed to Employment Equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and women.


Thesis Defenses

Zhenghua Nie (McMaster University) August 2011

Supervisors: Profs. Christopher K. Anand and Alex D. Bain

Ph.D. thesis: "Simulation and Optimal Design of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Experiments" http://digitalcommons.mcmaster.ca/opendissertations/5543/

External Examiner: Prof. Elliott Burnell (University of British Columbia)


Cover article in Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics (July 4/11)

PCCP 2011

Cory M. Widdifield, Alex D. Bain, and David L. Bryce, "Definitive Solid-State 185/187Re NMR Spectral Evidence for and Analysis of the Origin of High-Order Quadrupole-Induced Effects for I = 5/2," Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 13 (2011) 12413-12420. (Cover Article) http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/c1cp20572b


Thi
s is the tenth cover article featuring results obtained using 900resources of the National Ultrahigh-Field NMR Facility for Solids. See our cover gallery and the complete list of research publications enabled by the Facility here (complete list).



Encyclopedia of Magnetic ResonanceEncyclopedia of Magnetic Resonance: new entries (June 17/11)

D.L. Bryce, C.M. Widdifield, R.P. Chapman and R.J. Attrell, "Chlorine, Bromine, and Iodine Solid-State NMR", Encyclopedia of Magnetic Resonance (2011). http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9780470034590.emrstm1214

A.D. Bain "Radiofrequency Pulses: Response of Nuclear Spins", Encyclopedia of Magnetic Resonance (2011). http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9780470034590.emrstm0443.pub2

G.J. Schrobilgen and M. Gerken, "Noble Gas Elements", Encyclopedia of Magnetic Resonance (2011). http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9780470034590.emrstm0346.pub2


Special issue of Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (April 14/11)

Solid-State NMR of Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Profs. Eckert and Klinowski have asked us to edit a special issue of Solid State NMR, with a focus in the area of NMR as applied to Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion. To this end, we would like to invite you to submit a manuscript for this special issue. Topics should include recent results on the development and use of solid-state NMR strategies for the characterization of energy materials, for example materials for use in lithium ion and rechargeable batteries in general, supercapacitors, polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells, and solid-oxide fuel cells. We would like to include the wide variety of NMR methods that have been used in this field, their strengths, and avenues for further development. In an NMR-focused journal, it would also be appropriate to include some of the "how to" details or "tips and tricks" relevant to the successful implementation of the various NMR methods.

Please take these guidelines as suggestions only, and feel free to submit any original manuscript on a topic you feel would be appropriate to this community. The deadline for receipt of manuscripts will be June 1, 2011, and we anticipate publication around October/November 2011. Of course, all the manuscripts will be subject to strict peer-review procedures. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding potential topics, or any other concerns. We would appreciate hearing from you if you plan to submit a manuscript. Submission will be handled through the Elsevier web site. Author instructions and submission details can be found at

http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/622947/authorinstructions

With thanks and best regards

Clare P. Grey & Gillian R. Goward


Review in Progress in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (Dec 31/10)

progress A.D. Bain and B. Berno, "Liouvillians in NMR: the Direct Method Revisited," Progress in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (2011) accepted. (Invited Review) http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pnmrs.2010.12.002


Russell Bell Symposium, McMaster (Nov 12/10)

McMaster University, November 18, 2010

Russell Bell, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at McMaster, has made significant scientific contributions in the area of NMR, chemical biology using DNA and proteins, organic synthesis and in environmental remediation. In addition, he is renowned at McMaster University for excellence in teaching, particularly of first year chemistry. The department is pleased to recognize his contributions with this special symposium.

Hamilton Hall, HH-305

9:30-9:35 Mike Brook, McMaster University: Opening Remarks

9:35-10:20 Fred Capretta, McMaster University: Six Degrees of Russell Bell

10:20-10:35 Coffee

10:35-11:20 John Valliant, McMaster University: Title TBA

ABB-163

1:30-2:20 Scott Bohle, McGill University: Chemistry of an All Black Pigment: The Quinoline Antimalarial Drug Target

2:30-2:35 Brian McCarry, Chair of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University: Concluding Remarks

2:35 Russell Bell, McMaster University: Some Thoughts

Contact Bob Berno for more information: bberno "at" mcmaster.ca

Dr. Bob Berno
Manager: McMaster NMR Facility
Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L9
Phone: (905) 525-9140 x24158 or x24686
Fax: (905) 522-2509
http://www.chemistry.mcmaster.ca/facilities/nuclear-magnetic-resonance-laboratory


Don Hughes' Memorial Photos (June 29/10)

Hello everyone.

Thanks to all of you who could attend the memorial service for Don last week. I know I enjoyed seeing all of you and sharing stories.

A few days ago we posted a slide show of photos that were taken during the service. In case you haven't had a chance to look through these, please take a couple of minutes to have a look (external link).

Take care,

Bob Berno,
C&CB, McMaster

This is one of the last papers by Don Hughes submitted shortly before his death and dedicated to his memory.

A.D. Bain, D.W. Hughes, C.K. Anand, Z. Nie, V.J. Robertson, "Problems, artifacts and solutions in the INADEQUATE NMR experiment," Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry (2010) online. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mrc.2639


New NMR book (June 3/10)

EMR books
Multidimensional NMR Methods for the Solution State

edited by Gareth A. Morris and James W. Emsley
Hardcover: 580 pages
Publisher: Wiley; June 2010
Language: English
ISBN: 978-0470770757
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0470770759
http://www.amazon.ca/dp/0470770759

Wiley: "Multidimensional NMR methods have transformed the way in which solution state NMR is used to elucidate the structures of chemical and biochemical systems. The first book covering new developments in nearly a decade, this much-needed resource explains recent experimental methods for the rapid measurement of multidimensional solution-state NMR spectra. With articles written by key developers of the techniques, the coverage deals with both the theoretical tools and the latest practical applications, giving an unmatched guide to students, researchers, technicians, and anyone else working with NMR techniques today"

Canadian contributions

A.D. Bain "COSY: Quantitative Analysis," Chapter 13, Multidimensional NMR Methods for the Solution State (EMR Books), Eds. G.A. Morris and J.W. Emsley, Wiley (2010) pp. 167-176. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9780470034590.emrstm0095

T.T. Nakashima and R.E.D. McClung "Heteronuclear Shift Correlation Spectroscopy," Chapter 22, Multidimensional NMR Methods for the Solution State (EMR Books), Eds. G.A. Morris and J.W. Emsley, Wiley (2010) pp. 289-304. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9780470034590.emrstm0209

R. Muhandiram and L.E. Kay "3D HMQC-NOESY, NOESY-HMQC, and NOESY-HSQC," Chapter 25, Multidimensional NMR Methods for the Solution State (EMR Books), Eds. G.A. Morris and J.W. Emsley, Wiley (2010) pp. 335-350. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9780470034590.emrstm0563

The complete Table of Contents is available on Stan's NMR blog.


Memorial Service for Don Hughes (May 14/10)

Dr. Donald W. Hughes (1949 – 2010)

Dear friends,

Below is a message sent out from Brian McCarry, Chair on the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. This notice provides details of the upcoming memorial service to remember Don Hughes.

In order to help us plan for the event, I ask you to kindly send an RSVP via email to: nmr "at" chemistry.mcmaster.ca

Many of you have already sent kind words of support to us. We are preparing a commemorative booklet that will be on display at the memorial on June 3. May I have permission to include excerpts from your messages in the booklet?
Also, if any of you have photographs of Don that you wish to share, please forward them as well.

Thank you.
Bob Berno.
----------------------------

Dear Chemistry Department and Friends of Don Hughes:

The department will be holding a memorial service to remember Don Hughes on Thursday, June 3 from 3-5 p.m. in the Great Hall of the University Club.

It has been truly gratifying to receive messages of condolence from many former students, postdocs and industrial partners who worked with or interacted with Don over the past 25 years. For those of you attending the CSC in Toronto, this memorial service is being held the day after the conference concludes; it is our hope that this arrangement will be convenient for those collaborators and friends of Don who may be attending the conference.

A small, private funeral will be held this Saturday; however, the family wishes are that only family and a few close friends be in attendance.

An autopsy was performed last week and the coroner reported that there was no obvious cause of death. The coroner reported that Don was in excellent health. A number of samples were taken for analysis in the hope of determining a cause of death. If I receive any conclusive information on this matter, I will be sure to pass it on to you.

Please feel fee to pass this message on to anyone you know, near or far, who may be interested in attending the service or in knowing about the service.

All the best,

Brian McCarry

http://www.chemistry.mcmaster.ca/index.php


Thesis Defenses (May 4/10)

Jason Traer (McMaster University) April 2010
Supervisor: Gillian Goward
Ph.D. thesis: "Solid-State NMR Investigations of Electrolyte Materials for Hydrogen Fuel Cells"

Interview with Ronald Gillespie (March 19/10)

Ronald J. Gillespie, Professor Emeritus at McMaster, is a world-renowned chemist who has made many significant contributions to our understanding of the molecular structure and geometry. He was also one of the first to use NMR spectroscopy in chemical research. Read an interview with this fascinating Canadian personality in the upcoming issue of the Journal of Chemical Education.

Liberato Cardellini "Modeling Chemistry for Effective Chemical Education: An Interview with Ronald J. Gillespie," J. Chem. Educ. (2010) ASAP. http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ed800166f

Related story

50 years of NMR at McMaster University (April 28, 2008)

Alex Bain (McMaster)

"It started with a chance remark from one of our senior colleagues, that it
was 1958 when McMaster received its first NMR spectrometer, a Varian DP60. That seemed to be a good reason for a celebration, so on Friday May 2, we are having a one-day symposium.
Two of the pioneers, Ron Gillespie (who ordered the instrument) and Russell Bell will be there. However, we will miss two other central figures: Don Eaton and Brian Sayer, who have both passed away. The symposium also will be the day before a memorial in Winnipeg for Ted Schaefer, who was a great father figure for many of us.

The 50th anniversary event has led to lots of discussion and a number of themes. One is the progress of the field since that time..."

Read the full Guest Editorial by Alex Bain in the Spring 2008 issue of the Canadian NMR Research News Bulletin


Materials Chemistry of Energy Conversion (Feb 17/10)

The Chemistry of Materials Special Issue on the Materials Chemistry of Energy Conversion (volume 22, issue 3, 2010) highlights new directions in materials chemistry relevant to energy conversion. There are several NMR articles in this issue, including the one from Gillian Goward's group (McMaster) and colleagues from Estonia on Li dynamics.

L.J.M. Davis, I. Heinmaa and G.R. Goward, "Study of Lithium Dynamics in Monoclinic Li3Fe2(PO4)3 using 6Li VT and 2D Exchange MAS NMR Spectroscopy," Chem. Mater. 22 (2010) 769–775. http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/cm901402u


CSC 2010: Solid-State NMR Symposium (updated Jan 28/10)

Dear NMR colleagues,

Gillian Goward and myself are organizing a symposium entitled "Solid-State NMR: Methods and Applications" at the 93rd Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition in Toronto. The symposium is scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, May 30 and all day Monday, May 31.

I would like to encourage you and your students to consider submitting abstracts for 20-minute talks and/or posters through the following link:

http://www.csc2010.ca/program/submit_abstract.html

The deadline for abstract submissions is February 15.

Confirmed speakers: Alex Bain (McMaster), Andreas Brinkmann (NRC-SIMS), Arno Kentgens (Radboud University, Nijmegen), Gang Wu (Queen's), Gillian Goward (McMaster), John Ripmeester (NRC-SIMS), Josef Zwanziger (Dalhousie), Kristopher Ooms (The King's University College, Edmonton), Marek Pruski (Iowa), Megan Spence (Pittsburgh), Peter MacDonald (Toronto), Robert Schurko (Windsor), Roderick Wasylishen (Alberta), Scott Kroeker (Manitoba), Simon Sharpe (Sick Kids), Timothy Cross (National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Tallahassee), Vladimir Ladizhansky (Guelph)

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you in Toronto!

Dave Bryce (web)

The National Ultrahigh-Field NMR Facility for Solids Annual Workshop will take place on Saturday May 29.


Feature article: Concepts in Magnetic Resonance (Dec 04/09)

cmgR.M. Gregory, A.D. Bain, "The effects of finite rectangular pulses in NMR: Phase and intensity distortions for a spin-1/2," Concepts in Magnetic Resonance Part A 34A (2009) 305-314.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cmr.a.20147


Abstract

Pulses in NMR spectrometers have a finite length, but the usual hard-pulse assumption ignores it, and treats the pulse as a rotation of the frame of reference about the direction of the radiofrequency (RF) magnetic field. However, at frequency offsets comparable to the size of the RF field, there are substantial distortions, mainly in the phase of the signal. This effect is well known and can be easily calculated to show that, despite the complex geometry, the phase distortion is almost linear with the offset. This means that it can be corrected by a first-order phase correction or by small corrections to pulse-sequence timing. In this article, we give an analysis of these effects. The deviations from a linear phase correction are analyzed for a general rectangular pulse and illustrated with experimental spectra. The split-operator approximation for the evolution of this system provides a mathematical foundation and a useful method for this analysis. Furthermore, the relationship between the exact behavior of a signal is compared to the Fourier transform of a rectangular pulse. For typical offsets, the match between these approaches is not good, but it improves as the offset increases. Overall, the detailed analysis of the finite pulse effects gives exact results of the response of a spin system, but also some mathematical and physical insights.

NMR seminar : University of Ottawa, Department of Chemistry

Friday, September 4, 2009, at 11:30 am

University of Ottawa (D’Iorio Hall, room 214)

Prof. Gillian Goward (McMaster) "Ion Dynamics and Transport Phenomena in Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion" (inquire with David Bryce)

web: http://www.chemistry.mcmaster.ca/people/faculty/goward/index.html


Gillian Goward featured in The Globe and Mail (May 24/09)

The Globe and Mail has recently published an article "Looking for life after lithium" about recent advances by Canadian researchers and entrepreneurs in creating a new generation of batteries. Gillian Goward (McMaster) was prominently featured in this article for her work towards better understanding the chemistry behind extending the recharging life of lithium ion batteries.

Read the full article in The Globe and Mail (Canada), April 22, 2009 Wednesday (external link )


NMR events at CSC 2009 (May 1/09)

Two NMR symposia and a workshop will be highlights of the 92nd Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition meeting in Hamilton.

Gillian Goward and Alex Bain, of McMaster University, have organized a symposium on Materials and Magnetic Resonance, mainly focused on Solid-State NMR.
PT7 - Materials and Magnetic Resonance
Sunday May 31 - Monday June 1, AM
http://abstracts.csc2009.ca/vs010074.htm


Giuseppe Melacini, also at McMaster, has put together an excellent program in Biomolecular NMR.
BM2 - Biomolecular NMR
Monday June 1, PM - Tuesday June 2
http://abstracts.csc2009.ca/vs002010.htm


Please note that this year two NMR symposia have been scheduled back-to-back. Plan your trip accordingly and don't miss this rare opportunity to attend both NMR symposia at CSC!

The CSC 2009 conference program is now available online
http://abstracts.csc2009.ca/

The National Ultrahigh-Field NMR Facility for Solids and Bruker Canada are pleased to present the 4th Annual Solid-State NMR Workshop prior to CSC 2009 in Hamilton. The workshop will take place on Saturday afternoon, May 30, 2009.
http://nmr900.ca/events_e.html


50 years of NMR at McMaster University

Alex Bain, McMaster (web-site )

"It started with a chance remark from one of our senior colleagues, that it
was 1958 when McMaster received its first NMR spectrometer, a Varian DP60. That seemed to be a good reason for a celebration, so on Friday May 2, we are having a one-day symposium. The web site already has a
number of photos, and more will be posted.


http://nmr50.mcmaster.ca/

Two of the pioneers, Ron Gillespie (who ordered the instrument) and Russell Bell will be there. However, we will miss two other central figures: Don Eaton and Brian Sayer, who have both passed away. The symposium also will be the day before a memorial in Winnipeg for Ted Schaefer, who was a great father figure for many of us.

The 50th anniversary event has led to lots of discussion and a number of themes. One is the progress of the field since that time..."

Read the full Guest Editorial by Alex Bain in the Spring 2008 issue of the Canadian NMR Research News Bulletin