Ateneo - UPO

The 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.

.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.

The 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.

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

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.

he 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.

The final exam will be based on the oral discussion to verify the learning of the topics discussed during the lessons. Six questions will be asked. Three of them are related to the theoretical notions explained in the classroom, one will be devoted to illustrate a physico-chemical technique applied to the solid system and one related to the physic-chemical processes of environmental interest. The student will choose a question.
In addition, the seminar prepared by the students to explore some of the topics discussed in the lesson will be evaluated.
The examination method allows evaluating not only the theoretical skills acquired but also the organizational and communication skills of the students, as well as knowing their ability to work autonomously.
To pass the exam, the student must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the proposed basics and to be able to critically analyze a proposed problem.
The level of difficulty corresponds to the program being run and the reference texts indicated.

During the 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.

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.