Browse Hierarchy CHE411P: Nanomaterials

This module is designed to give students an understanding of nanomaterials and nanoscience from inorganic and physical chemistry perspectives. The module includes an introduction to colloidal systems and their applications, as well as insight into nanochemistry, with several examples of nanoscience applications. An overview of physical chemistry and synthesis of colloids with a clear link to practical applications such as medical diagnostics and drug delivery will be included. An introduction into interfacial phenomena, the electrical double layer and intermolecular (van der Waals) forces of significance for colloidal stability are given. Important phenomena such as colloidal stability (steric and charge stabilisation), adsorption, adhesion, self-assembly, diffusion, stability electrophoresis and aggregation will be covered. Techniques such as light scattering, small and wide angle X-ray and neutron scattering and electron transmission techniques, as well as the rheology of these systems will be covered. Methods of measuring particle/crystallite size are also discussed. Various examples in pharmaceuticals and natural products design will be discussed. The synthesis and applications of inorganic nanomaterials including nanocomposites and colloidal dispersions will be discussed. The main properties of nanomaterials will be discussed (electronic, optical, catalytic, mechanical and magnetic properties), always including the comparison between 'nano' and 'bulk' properties.