Course content

Morphology, crystal structure and phase transformations in nanoparticles. Electrical, magnetic and catalytic properties of nanoparticles. Introduction to nucleation and growth and spinodal decomposition. Synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles and one-dimensional nanostructures (nanotubes, nanorods, nanowires) by gas-phase and liquid-phase methods. Deposition of thin films by liquid-phase (wet-chemical) and vapour-phase methods (chemical and physical vapour deposition). Self-assembly of nanoparticles into lattices. Nanoporous materials (zeolites and mesoporous solids). Lithography and etching processes for fabrication of nanoscale structures.

Learning outcome

The course will give an introduction to basic chemical and physical principles for fabrication of inorganic nanomaterials, and basic principles of size-related effects in nanomaterials. The course presupposes basic knowledge of chemistry, physics and materials science. The course forms the basis for teaching in TKP4190 Fabrication and Applications of Nanomaterials.
The student should after completed course could qualitatively describe how the nanoparticle size can affect the morphology, crystal structure, reactivity, electrical properties and magnetic properties. He/she should could describe several synthesis methods for fabrication of inorganic nanoparticles, one-dimensional nanostructures (nanotubes, nanorods, nanowires), thin films, and nanostructured bulk materials, and also could describe how different lithography methods can be used for making nanostructures. The student should have a theoretical background within synthesis/fabrication of nanomaterials which makes he/she prepared for later literature studies and laboratory work within the field.
The student should could perform simple geometric calculations of surface energy, coordination number, and volume fraction related to nanoscale properties and synthesis, and also simple chemical calculations related to synthesis.
The student should could use the acquired knowledge to evaluate which synthesis methods that can be best suited for fabricating nanostructured materials of various inorganic compounds (metals, semiconductors, oxides, fullerenes) and constructions of these.
The student should also be aware of basic ethical, health-related and environment-related concerns related to nanoparticles and nanomaterials in general.

Learning methods and activities

The teaching is based on lectures and exercises. 8 out of 12 exercises have to be approved to be able to take the final written examination. Portfolio assessment is the basis for the grade in the course. The portfolio includes a final written exam (75%) and a mid term test (25%). The results for the parts are given in %-scores, while the entire portfolio is assigned a letter grade. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic courses in chemistry, materials science or solid state physics.

Course materials

To be announced at the beginning of the semester.