Course content

The course is taught either during the fall or spring semester when needed.
Descriptions of courses and their objectives are divided according to topic. Here, only three topics are listed, however; more topics may be added according to the need and accumulated interest.
This course consists of independent subjects, which will be taught individually.
Part A: Soft Condensed Matter on Surfaces
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This course is intended to provide overview over several outstanding research topics from soft condensed matter that are relevant to nanoscience and nanotechnology. These are outlined below:
Introductory part
• Classification of surfaces – structure & functionality
• Overview of selected experimental probes for studying interfacial phenomena
Small molecules on surfaces
• Self-assembled monolayers on surfaces
• Chemical pattering of surfaces via soft-lithography: Formation & applications)
• Other methods of surface patterning
• Substrates with position-dependent gradient characteristics: Formation, properties & applications)
• Molecular & macromolecular templating
Macromolecules on surfaces
• Classification of polymers, basics of bulk and surface behavior
• Ordering of polymers on chemically and topographically corrugated surfaces
• Block copolymer assembly in thin films
• Macromolecular templating
• Surface-anchored polymer assemblies
• Combinatorial polymer surface engineering: Principles & applications
• Other structured polymer surfaces: liquid crystals, surface “rubbing”
• Computer simulations studies of polymers at structured surfaces
Selected special topics from surface soft condensed matter
• Liquid crystals and liquid-crystalline polymers at surfaces
• Physically “rough” surfaces: Concepts & applications
• Wetting and dewetting of polymers at surfaces
• Buckling instabilities in polymer films: What are they good for?
• “Smart”/responsive soft surfaces
• Soft condensed matter & nature
• Protein & cell partition at surfaces
• Interfacial engineering using bioinspired materials
Part B: Characterization of Colloidal Systems.
This topic covers theoretical and applied aspects of a selection of experimental techniques meant for characterization of colloidal systems (including polymers). The main emphasis will be put on experimental techniques developed specifically for characterization of the colloidal domain, however; where conventional techniques such as UV-vis and near-IR are described, the course will focus on aspects and applications unique to colloidal dispersions, such as colloidochromism. The main categories of this course can be listed as: Molecular spectroscopy, light scattering, surface/interface techniques, rheological measurement, calorimetry and microscopy. Examples from current research will be provided.
C: Colloid chemistry and functional materials
Introduction to methods for preparation of functional materials, and their properties.
Application of colloidial structures, such as micelles, liquid crystalline phases and inverted micelles, in preparation of functional materials. The most important characterisation techniques and applications will also be described.

Learning outcome

The aim of this topic is to provide PhD students with courses directly related to their PhD topics.

Part A: The candidate should have an understanding of how to modify surfaces (both planar surfaces and nanoparticles) with polymers and other macromolecules towards specific applications within nanotechnology.

Part B: Candidates are familiarized with experimental techniques used to characterize colloidal systems (including polymers), and have been introduced to both the underlying theory for, and possible applications of, the various experimental techniques.

Part C: Candidates will have been introduced to methods for fabrication of functional materials, and description of their properties.

Learning methods and activities

Seminars and self-study

Recommended previous knowledge

Pre-requisite courses will depend on the given topic, and will be announced prior to the lectures.
Part A: TKP4130 Polymer Chemistry and TKP4115 Surface and Colloid Chemistry.
Part B: TKP4115 Surface and Colloid Chemistry.

Course materials

Part A: Compendium: Soft Condensed Matter on Surfaces (Will be given at course start). Author: Jan Genzer
Number of pages: 101.
Part B: • Principles of Colloid and Surface Chemistry, Third Edition
o Authors: Paul Hiemenz, Raj Rajagopalan
o Publisher: Marcel Dekker
o Chapters 4-7, 12: Total 229 pages
• Physical Chemistry Sixth Edition
o Author: Peter Atkins
o W.H. Freeman & Company
o Selected sections, total ~100 pages
• Emulsions and Emulsion Stability, Second Edition
o Editor: Johan Sjöblom
o Chapter 12: 62 pages
Total page number: 391

Credit reductions