TRR 386: HYP*MOL – Hyperpolarization in molecular systems

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Electrons and many atomic nuclei carry not only electric charge, but also a magnetic moment called “spin”. The controlled realization of a transient spin order of electrons or magnetic nuclei, i.e., of hyperpolarization, in molecular systems is expected to have a major impact in three research areas of chemistry and physics, namely magnetic resonance, spintronics and spin-chemistry with implications towards practical applications for example in medicine, multifunctional electronics, or high-yield catalysis. The CRC HYP*MOL will contribute to the fundamental understanding of generation of electronic and nuclear spin hyperpolarization, its transport through molecular structures and its control. To that end, HYP*MOL will bring the fields of magnetic resonance, spintronics and spin-chemistry together. In all three areas, hyperpolarization is deployed to enhance efficiency. We will focus on molecular systems, starting with small molecules, moving to oligomers and proteins, and finally to organometallic and covalent-organic frameworks (MOFs and COFs). The research of the CRC HYP*MOL, organized into four joint work packages (JWP) will allow to: (i) bring photo-CIDNP µ-MRI (photochemically indexed dynamic nuclear polarization micro-magnetic resonance imaging) to biomedical applications (JWP1); (ii) increase the understanding of spin transport mechanisms in molecular systems and unlock the CISS effect as a new source of hyperpolarization (JWP2); (iii) establish DNP-based distance measuring for biomolecular structure determination (JWP3), and (iv) achieve hyperpolarization on demand for magnetic imaging or photocatalytic applications by MOFs and COFs (JWP4). The fields of magnetic resonance, spintronics, and spin-chemistry will profit from the concerted approach of the CRC. The close collaboration between these three fields will lead to a unified molecular spin-science. Our two research areas provide critical masses for development of hyperpolarization-based methods for structure, imaging, and sensorics (Research area A) and rationally designed molecular systems for hyperpolarization (Research area B). All projects are carried out by interdisciplinary teams consisting of two to three group leaders combining experts in synthesis, analytics, and theory. Our integrated research training group (iRTG) will train the young spin-scientists the benefits of looking beyond the horizon of single research field and making use of concepts from the three communities joined by the CRC. HYP*MOL builds on an excellent research infrastructure at both locations in Leipzig and Chemnitz and integrates leaders in the field strategically at additional partner universities. Our consortium develops up-to-date regional interdisciplinary information technology networks. We place particular emphasis on gender equality issues and on improving work-family balance.