- UCAS course code
- F152
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
Unit code | CHEM40711 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 4 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 21/22 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact.
The unit is divided into 3 parts, given by different lecturers.
Part 1.
- Fundamental of quantum mechanics: how size and dimensionality affect the properties of nanomaterials.
- 2D materials: graphene. Overview on synthesis, properties and applications.
- Graphene derivatives. Overview on synthesis, properties and applications.
- 1D Carbon Nanotubes. Overview on synthesis, properties and applications
Part 2.
- State of the art in the nanofabrication technologies and focusing upon the interrelationship between process, resolution and materials aspects.
- Fabrication of Angstrom scale capillaries, one-atom thick 2D-fluidic devices
- Atomically precise synthesis of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) and its derivatives
- The role of chemistry in the development of nanographene materials.
Part 3.
- Fundamentals of photoluminescence and electroluminescence from organic and inorganic materials.
- Light-Emitting Diodes (LED)
- Plasmonic: from fundamentals to manufacturing.
Pre/co-requisites
Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Personalised Learning Unit 2 | CHEM30112 | Pre-Requisite | Recommended |
Materials Chemistry | CHEM30122 | Pre-Requisite | Recommended |
Aims
The unit aims to introduce the student to nanotechnology and nanomaterials, giving an overview on the approaches used for their synthesis and their structure-properties relations. The unit will in particular cover a selection of nanomaterials that are currently attracting strong technological interest, such as graphene and related structures and inorganic/organic materials for light emitting devices.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding:
- Explain the relationship between chemical structure and the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials.
- Predict the electronic and optical properties of materials with different size and dimensionality using the quantum confinement model.
- Describe the structure and properties of one-atom-thick 2D materials, such as graphene including: the band structure of graphene; the relationship between edge structure and properties.
- Describe the synthetic approaches to make graphene-based nanomaterials, its derivatives and heterostructures composed of multiple materials.
- Describe and apply covalent functionalization for tuning the properties of graphene and produce different graphene derivatives.
- Describe the structure (e.g. diameter, chirality) and properties (optical, electronic) of carbon nanotubes
- Describe and compare methods for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes
- Describe the preparation and post-growth processing methods needed to use carbon nanotubes in practical applications
- Identify possible applications of different carbon nanostructures depending on their properties.
- Explain the various nanofabrication methods related to photolithography and soft lithography.
- Describe and understand the difference between photo- or electroluminescence from inorganic and organic materials.
- Identify suitable materials for applicatiion in quantum dot (QD) or Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLED)
- Describe and apply surface plasmon resonance in nanomanufacturing.
Intellectual Skills:
- Apply the relevant analytical methods to investigate nanoscale chemical phenomena.
- Perform calculations and data analysis to derive qualitative and quantitative information about the surface/interface.
Syllabus
Weekly asynchronous activities followed by synchronous session with problem-based learning.
Teaching and learning methods
Unseen Examination
Knowledge and understanding
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- Problem solving and numeracy skills
- Critical thinking and critical analysis
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
---|---|
Written exam | 100% |
Feedback methods
Feedback will be given in the interactive example classes, and the pre-exam Q&A session before the end of the semester. Feedback on the exam performance will also be provided in line with school policy.
Recommended reading
Lecturers will direct students towards appropriate advanced texts.
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Assessment written exam | 2 |
Lectures | 21 |
Tutorials | 6 |
Independent study hours | |
---|---|
Independent study | 71 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
Cinzia Casiraghi | Unit coordinator |