Late November in Suzhou，Gathering Together to Explore NMR

On 10th November, the Frontiers in Low-Field NMR Analysis Technology Exchange Conference was successfully held!

To deepen academic exchange and promote the application of low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) technology across multiple fields, the Suzhou Frontiers in Low-Field NMR Analysis Technology Exchange Conference provided experts and scholars in the field with a valuable platform for in-depth discussion. Over 50 experts and academics from Tsinghua University, East China Normal University, ShanghaiTech University, University of Science and Technology of China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Soochow University, Donghua University, and other institutions gathered to explore real-world applications of LF-NMR in areas such as cement hydration, polymer ageing, and hydrogels. The event strengthened collaboration between academia and industry and laid a solid foundation for the innovation and development of low-field NMR analysis technology, marking a milestone in the field.

Group photo of experts and scholars with the Niumag Analysis team

Visit to Niumag

Niumag Analysis’ senior leadership—including Chairman Yang Peiqiang, General Manager Li Xianghong, Product Director Gao Yangwen, and Product Manager Ding Hao—welcomed the attendees with great enthusiasm. Before the official start of the conference, Product Manager Ding Hao led the visiting professors and students on a tour of Niumag Analysis’ exhibition hall. He introduced the company’s 21-year development journey and its innovative collaborations in academia and industry, providing the experts with an in-depth understanding of Niumag’s technical foundation and historical achievements. The visitors also toured the production facilities and equipment displays, engaging in professional technical discussions on instrument performance, testing techniques, and analytical methods, creating an impressive atmosphere of focus and collaboration.

Exchange Presentations

Welcome Address by Chairman Yang Peiqiang of Niumag Analysis

Chairman Yang warmly welcomed all professors and students. He highlighted Niumag Analysis’ long-standing collaborations with numerous universities, contributing to numerous scientific achievements. As a reliable partner for researchers, Niumag has consistently supported scholars in their scientific explorations. He encouraged attendees to stay focused and engaged during the presentations to gain knowledge and inspiration.

Presentation by Product Director Gao Yangwen of Niumag Analysis — “Niumag Analysis and Low-Field NMR”

Director Gao presented Niumag Analysis’ development journey, technological innovations, business portfolio, applications, and market influence in the field of LF-NMR. She highlighted the company’s commitment to advancing NMR technology through innovation, using case studies such as kerosene injection into cores, water migration, and isothermal adsorption to demonstrate LF-NMR’s practical applications and potential.

Professor Yang Haijun, Tsinghua University — “Niumag LF-NMR Instruments at the Tsinghua Analysis Center”

Professor Yang reviewed Tsinghua University’s long-term collaboration with Niumag Analysis and detailed the development of the Tsinghua Analysis Center in LF-NMR, including technological advances and expanded applications. He also explored future directions, challenges, and technical issues in low-field NMR technology.

Professor Yao Yefeng, East China Normal University — “Applications of LF-NMR in Polymer Materials Research”

Professor Yao shared LF-NMR applications in polymer research, including rapid measurement of polymer crystallinity, quantifying amorphous/crystalline interfaces, observing crosslink density, and assessing polymer entanglement. LF-NMR technology effectively addresses these challenges, providing valuable insights for polymer researchers.

Young Researchers’ Presentations

Dr. Li Wenyu, Tsinghua University — “New Advances in Relaxation Studies Using Low-Field NMR and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Integrated Systems”

Dr. Li reported on the latest progress using an integrated LF-NMR and electron paramagnetic resonance system, employing Guoyi Quantum ENDOR equipment and Niumag’s NMR transceiver system, successfully achieving measurements at 6 K ultra-low temperatures.

Dr. Chen Lili, Tsinghua University — “Superelastic Hydrogels with Ultralarge Reversible Biaxial Strain”

Dr. Chen Lili, a direct PhD student in the Department of Chemistry at Tsinghua University (Class of 2019), and recipient of Tsinghua’s 28th Graduate “Academic Rising Star” award, focuses on extreme mechanical performance elastomers and hydrogel materials. She authored a paper published in Science titled “A hyperelastic hydrogel with an ultralarge reversible biaxial strain.” The developed materials demonstrate remarkable potential in applications such as underwater operations and medical repair.

Dr. Chen shared her Science publication, highlighting the bead-network model introduced for solid-state materials. By balancing hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions in polyelectrolytes, she achieved a hydrogel with bead-chain conformation, demonstrating reversible biaxial strain up to 10,000%. The VTMR20-010V-I instrument from Niumag was used to characterise polymer disentanglement in this research.

Dr. Tian Hongwei, Tsinghua University — “Applications of Low-Field NMR in Cement-Based Materials Research”

Dr. Tian presented the advantages of LF-NMR for in situ, non-destructive measurement of porosity, pore size distribution, and real-time monitoring of hydration product composition in cement-based materials. LF-NMR effectively distinguishes between interlayer, gel, product, and capillary pores, providing a strong foundation for understanding material performance development and advancing concrete technology.

Many other young scholars showcased their unique research and latest findings, engaging in cross-disciplinary discussion with experts. This exchange allowed reporting of current work and deep exploration of future research directions. The conference fostered intellectual collaboration, generating new ideas and setting the stage for future academic advancement in low-field NMR.

Notably, Niumag held a prestigious award ceremony recognising Dr. Chen Lili for her outstanding contributions. Dr. Chen authored a Science article, “A hyperelastic hydrogel with an ultralarge reversible biaxial strain,” supported by Niumag’s equipment, marking the first time research using Niumag instruments appeared in Science. She was presented with an honorary certificate and prize, with ongoing support from Niumag for publishing high-level articles in journals such as Nature and Science. This highlights Niumag’s commitment to encouraging more pioneering research based on low-field NMR, promoting global recognition.

As the 2024 Suzhou Frontiers in Low-Field NMR Analysis Technology Exchange Conference concluded, it marked a remarkable integration of academic insight and practical application. The conference provided a valuable platform for experts and scholars while offering an in-depth outlook on the future of LF-NMR analysis technology. We look forward to these exchanges inspiring innovation, fostering closer academia-industry collaboration, and opening a new chapter for low-field NMR research.