Course content

The subject will provide an introduction to the fundamental relationships between chemical composition, crystal structure and functional properties for inorganic materials. Some organic and hybrid materials may also be included. Functional properties mean all non-mechanical properties, for example electrical and thermal properties. The course requires basic knowledge in chemistry, physics and materials technology. The subject will form the basis for project work and main tasks where the functional properties of inorganic materials are central to the problem. Key themes in the course are the crystal structure of solids, phase transformations and relations between crystal structure, composition and functional properties, including properties of the transitions. Property areas such as electronic, thermal and ionic transport properties will be covered. Applications that will be used as examples for use of functional materials will be: Semiconductors in electronics, optics and photovoltaic cells. Ionic conductors in batteries, sensors and fuel cells. Phase change materials for thermal energy storage and caloric applications. Dielectric, piezoelectric and ferroelectrics capacitors, actuators and sensors. Magnetic materials for memory and caloric applications. Where necessary for understanding material challenges and their implementation in devices, a brief introduction to the synthesis of some functional materials will be included.

Learning outcome

After completion of the course the student should be able to:

- Give a qualitative description of the simplest and most common crystal structures of inorganic materials and have basic knowledge of symmetry operations in order to be able to describe the different point groups and space groups. - Classify and characterise different phase transitions and their properties. - Relate phase transitions, crystal structure and crystal symmetry to the different functional properties covered is the course as well as their role in phase change materials for thermal storage. - Describe microscopic mechanisms for electronic conductivity in metals, semiconductors, and insulators. In addition, the student should be able to name specific examples of materials that exhibit these properties. - Name several different ionic conducting materials and describe microscopic mechanisms for ionic and mixed conductivity in addition to writing down defect equilibrium equations. - Describe microscopic mechanisms for ferroelectricity, ferromagnetism, in addition to related dielectric and magnetic properties. The student should be able to describe specific materials exhibiting dielectric and magnetic properties. - Relate crystal structure and electronic structure to optical and thermal properties. - Predict electronic, dielectric, magnetic, optical and thermal properties based on the acquired knowledge. - Name several different applications for different functional materials. - Identify which functional properties would be required for different technological applications and be able to propose specific materials suitable for the application in question.

Learning methods and activities

The teaching is based on lectures and exercises. The exercises are voluntary. An oral presentation of the group project is compulsory. The final grade is determined by 75% final examination and 25% project work. If the teaching is given in English the Examination papers will be given in English only. Students are free to choose Norwegian or English for their answers to the final written exam. Expected time spent: Lectures: 60 hours, exercises: 30 hours, project work: 30 hours, self study: 95 hours.

Compulsory assignments

• Oral presentation of group work

Recommended previous knowledge

Inorganic Chemistry/Materials Chemistry, Materials Science, Solid State Physics or similar courses.

Course materials

Will be announced at the beginning of the semester.