Ateneo - UPO

Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials. Types, physico-chemical properties, main characterization methods and applications of nanomaterials.

Notes prepared by the professor.
Scientific articles in specialized journals, made available as teaching material

Knowledge of the fundamental aspects of the following topics: definition of nanotechnology and nanomaterials, typologies and physico-chemical properties of nanomaterials, techniques for the characterization of nanomaterials and types of interaction with the biological world.

Attendance of general, inorganic chemistry and physico-chemistry courses.

Frontal lessons in the classroom with projection of slides and films. The teaching material (pdf file) used during the lessons will be available on the DIR platform.

Oral examination. The exam will be based on oral discussion to verify the learning of the topics covered in class. 6 questions will be asked about the course program to assess learning ability and understanding

Introduction to nanotechnology and nanomaterials and their relationship with the environment: history, definitions and applications. Heterogeneous physical systems and dispersed systems. Classification of nanomaterials based on size. Surface tension and interfacial tension. Synthesis methods of nanomaterials: bottom-up and top-down. Physico-chemical properties of dispersed nanoparticles: optical, kinetic and electrical properties. Optical phenomena: reflection, refraction, diffraction. Diffusion and sedimentation. Zeta potential and surface electric charges. The surface/volume ratio. Size determination techniques nanomaterials: optical and electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Examples of past, present and future nanomaterials in different fields of applications from nanomedicine to catalysis. The interface and the type of interaction between nanomaterials and the biological world.

Knowledge and understanding: knowledge of the principles and methods of synthesis of nanomaterials. Knowledge of the chemical-physical principles that allow to explain the properties of nanomaterials.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: ability to identify and solve problems involving nanomaterials; ability to recognize and quantify the elements related to nanotechnology in complex problems and processes.
Making judgements: ability to critically analyze the elements linked to nanotechnologies and nanomaterials, highlighting the problems connected to them.
Communication skills: ability to report on scientific topics, and in particular on aspects concerning nanotechnologies and nanomaterials, in a precise, concise and clear manner. It is evaluated during the exam by analyzing the language used by the students in answering the oral questions.
Learning ability: ability to use the didactic material for a critical and reasoned study, also for a subsequent autonomy and acquisition of superior knowledge.