Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Diffusion Studies of 23Na in Beta Alumina, Effect of Water on the 23Na Quadrupole Interaction

Abstract

Measurements of the 23Na nuclear magnetic resonance spectra in samples of sodium beta alumina are interpreted in terms of sodium diffusion and water absorption. Intense motional narrowing is observed below room temperature consistent with the low activation energy for diffusion. The 23Na spectra from finely powdered material show effects, similar to those observed in zeolites, due to absorbed water. The quadrupole interaction decreases markedly with increasing water content indicating the penetration of water into the beta alumina structure on a molecular scale.