Ateneo - UPO

The theoretical course is divided into two parts. In the first part, concepts related to solid state physical chemistry are introduced. Particular attention will be given to the methods for the determination structural properties of solid, introduction to crystallography and X-ray diffraction methods. Then, the adsorption processes on solid surfaces will be treated. Moreover, it will be given concepts of IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy applied to solids and some recalls to photochemistry. In the second part of the course, topics related to physic-chemistry of complex systems (such as the atmosphere) will be treated: the main photochemical reactions in the stratosphere and troposphere will be described and elements related to the dispersion of pollutants into the atmosphere will be given.
Study of the experimental methods useful for the analysis of solids for environmental applications (i.e. catalysts for environmentally friendly processes). Various practical experiences will enable to students to acquire information on the physico-chemical properties of materials through a multidisciplinary experimental approach.

P.W. Atkins, “Physical Chemistry", VI Ed., Oxford University Press, oppure l'edizione italiana della V edizione, Chimica Fisica", Zanichelli;
Stephen Elliott “The Physics and Chemistry of solids”, Wiley
G. Rigault “Introduzione alla cristallografia” Levrotto e Bella
Mark Zemansky, "Calore e Termodinamica", Zanichelli. 
Colin Baird, "Chimica Ambientale", Zanichelli. 
B. J. Finlayson-Pitts e J. N. Pitts, “Atmospheric Chemistry”, John Wiley and Sons. Other relevant material will be provided by the teacher.

The theoretical course aims to provide to students the basic principles of physical-chemistry of solid state through lectures devoted to the description of the different types of materials, the most used preparation and characterization methods. In this way, concepts of advanced physical chemistry (crystallography and X-ray diffraction, solid-state spectroscopic techniques, principles of adsorption on solid surface) will be provided taking as examples complex systems such as solid materials.
In addition, the knowledge necessary to understand and describe the main physico-chemical phenomena related to the environment, the effect on humanity of the anthropic actions, and any modifications that affect their balance will be provided.
The course will allows to students to develop communicative skills by acquiring an appropriate vocabulary in relation to the discussed topics. 
Furthermore, the ability to relate on a scientific topic will also be developed thanks to the preparation of a presentation on a specific argument. It is expected that this activity will also be able to increase students' judgment skills through a thorough analysis of the recent scientific literature.
The course also aims to develop the ability to learn independently and the critical meaning that allows the student to draw conclusions on discussed topics. 
Finally, the aim of the course is also to test the ability to learn and apply knowledge through the organization of a guided exercise in the classroom related to adsorption methods.
In this laboratory module, specific practical experiences will be organized to apply the basic knowledge gained in the course of Advanced Physical Chemistry.

The practical activities will be useful in developing the ability to properly perform synthesis and characterization of reference materials. The synthesized solids will be characterized by using the main physic-chemical-physical described during the theoretical course of Advanced Physical Chemistry. 
The students will use a laboratory book to describe in a proper way the various practical experiences.
The students will be able to use a suitable chemical vocabulary in relation to the topics described in the course and to write report on the result obtained from the application of these techniques. He will develop the ability in making judgements and autonomously deepen the arguments treated in the course.
The report, that must contain the experimental results obtained in the frame of the experimental course, will be used to verify the ability to apply the knowledge of students. It is required to students to comment in a critical manner the obtained data in order to evaluate their making judgement skills. 
The communication skills will be evaluated during the oral exam. It will be required to students to describe some of the data and analyze them in a critical manner.

It is recommend the acquisition of the topics covered in the course of Physical Chemistry II and Advanced Physical Chemistry.

The theoretical course includes frontal lessons in the classroom where the treated topics will be presented and discussed with the students.
Students (in groups of 2 or 3 people) will have to prepare and organize an oral presentation to deepen some of the topics indicated by the teacher. To this end, methods will be provided to make an adequate bibliographic search and the students will be supported by the teacher in the organization of the seminar.
It is required that the seminar be presented in the presence of all the students in order to increase the knowledge of everyone on the topics discussed and to stimulate the ability to discuss and analyze crytically the treated topics.
A computer lesson will also be organized to apply one of the methods described in the lesson to determine the solids' textural properties by adsorption methods. The data to be processed will be provided by the teacher.It is recommend the acquisition of the topics covered in the course of Physical Chemistry II and Advanced Physical Chemistry.
Introductory lectures on practical laboratory experiences, to recall the chemical-physical bases needed to understand the procedures and comment on the results. During these lessons the experiments that students will have to do in the lab will be explained in detail. The student will have to complete a laboratory book and to work in groups (two or three students) both for practical experience and for the preparation of the final written report. At the end of the course, a specific lesson will be organized to discuss together the obtained data.

Theoretical course: The in itinere learning control will be carried out through the organization of the seminar and the lecture dedicated to the processing of data provided by the teacher. The final evaluation will be performed by oral examination.
Each laboratory experience will be developed and elaborated with the students in order to verify the correct understanding of the collected data.

The course includes frontal lessons in the classroom where the treated topics will be presented and discussed with the students.
Students (in groups of 2 or 3 people) will have to prepare and organize an oral presentation to deepen some of the topics indicated by the teacher. To this end, methods will be provided to make an adequate bibliographic search and the students will be supported by the teacher in the organization of the seminar.
It is required that the seminar be presented in the presence of all the students in order to increase the knowledge of everyone on the topics discussed and to stimulate the ability to discuss and analyze crytically the treated topics.
A computer lesson will also be organized to apply one of the methods described in the lesson to determine the solids' textural properties by adsorption methods. The data to be processed will be provided by the teacher.
The presence at the laboratory course is compulsory. It is required for the student to compile a laboratory book to develop the ability to describe a practical experience and collect data in a proper way. The student must also produce a written report containing a critical analysis of the results obtained in the experience to develop the ability to draw conclusions from the experiences and communication skills.
The final exam will be based on the oral discussion of a report students have to prepare and that is based on an exhaustive analysis of the results obtained during laboratory classes. The report must be delivered to the teacher at least 10 days before the date of the exam session.
The final judgment will be based on the evaluation of the written report and an oral test consisting of 4 questions, two of which will be related to the discussion of two of the experiences described in the report, one will be based on the theoretical basis (illustrated during the introduction lessons) of one of the practical experiences , and one will relate to the operating principles of one of the instruments or techniques used in the laboratory. The knowledge of students will be evaluated though specific questions related to theoretical aspects of the discipline.
This exam allows you to evaluate the acquired theoretical knowledge, the ability to apply them to real cases, the ability to collect and critically analyze the obtained results, the communicative skills in exposing the work done.
To overcome the test, the student must at least demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basics and their applications in the lab.
The level of difficulty corresponds to the program being run and the reference texts indicated. The excellence will be reached by answering to a specific question posed to judge the ability of making judgment on arguments similar to that treated during the class.

During the theoretical course, solid-state physics and chemical topics will be discussed.
The main classes of materials and methodologies for their preparation (with particular reference to sol-gel and solvothermal methods) will be described.
Elements of crystallography will also be provided for describing crystalline systems belonging of different spatial groups through symmetry operations . In addition, the X-ray diffraction principles will be treated with particular reference to Bragg's law and the treatment of reciprocal lattice.
Information on adsorption processes will be provided. In addition to the various types of interactions, the main adsorption mechanisms will be treated. The main adsorption models for the determination of the textural properties will be discussed.
Students will also be provided with IR and UV-Vis spectrophotometers applied to the solid state.
The course will cover topics relevant to chemical and physical description of chemical species of environmental importance. Particular attention will be given to the introduction of photochemical processes and gas-solid adsorption principles, as well as to the treatment of thermodynamic processes of environmental interest. Knowledge about the chemical constituents and physical structure of the atmosphere will be provided. Moreover, topics related to the chemistry of the stratosphere and the ozone problem, global warming and the chemistry of the troposphere, with particular reference to photochemical smog and particulate matter pollution, will be introduced. Finally, the impact of large plants for the production of energy will be discussed with particular emphasis to processes leading to the formation of harmful pollutants (dioxins) and their inhibition. The spread of pollutants in atmosphere and hydrosphere will be introduced.In the laboratory course, which has a strong applicative character, the experimental methods useful for the analysis of solids for environmental applications (i.e. catalysts for environmentally friendly processes) will be introduced. Few lessons in classroom will be mainly dedicated to the introduction of solid systems of environmental interest and to verify the knowledge of the basic principles of experimental techniques that can be used for the study of solid samples (IR, Raman and DR-UV-Vis spectroscopy, physisorption analysis, electron microscopy, thermal analysis). Several practical experiences will be organized aiming to provide information on physico-chemical properties of solid systems with interest for processes with low environmental impact.

Theoretical course: Knowledge and understanding: knowledge of the theoretical bases of the main methods for the preparation of materials and their characterization. Knowledge of the basics of crystallography and X-ray diffraction principles. Knowledge of IR and UV-Vis methods for solid state analysis. Learning the principles of adsorption. Knowledge of the main environmental and chemical phenomena of importance.
Applying knowledge and
understanding: ability to properly apply some of the treated physic-chemical methods (through specific PC tutorials on the data provided by the teacher) and interpretation of the obtained results. Ability to deepen a physic-chemical subject by exploiting common facilities for bibliographic research.
Making judgements: skill to critically analyze the recent literature on physico-chemical topics proposed in lesson.
Communication skills: ability to relate using proper language on physic-chemical arguments in a correct way, whether orally or in writing.
Learning skills: ability to use the teaching material for a critical and reasoned study, also for a subsequent autonomous acquisition of superior knowledge and for a continuous updating.