Abstract: Large spin polarization can be produced in 129Xe nuclei by laser optical pumping and spin exchange. Hyperpolarized Xe nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) can increase the measurement sensitivity by several orders of magnitude compared to the thermally polarized Xe NMR. It is a powerful tool for studying the pore structure of a material and the particle distribution inside the pores. This paper introduced the basic principles of hyperpolarized 129Xe NMR and reviewed its applications in the characterization of porous catalytic materials, especially with respect to the inorganic microporous and mesoporous materials. The prospect of this technique was also discussed.

Key words: optical pumping, hyperpolarized xenon, nuclear magnetic resonance, porous materials, heterogene-ous catalysis, characterization