MS4014: Nanomaterials: Fundamentals and Applications

Academic Units2
Semester2
Pre-requisite(s)MS2018; MS3012; MS3013
Co-requisite(s)Nil

Course Instructor

Professor Alex Yan Qingyu

Course AIMS

This course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of nanomaterials in terms of the synthesis, characterization, properties, and applications. It will cover the fundamental scientific principles for the different synthesis techniques, assembly of nanostructured materials and, new physical and chemical properties at the nanoscale. Existing  and emerging applications will also be discussed through case studies.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you (as a student) would be able to:

  1. Apply the physics of the quantum confinement (by drawing the energy band diagram) to explain the origin of the property difference
  2. Clearly state the difference of the optical and electrical properties between bulk materials and nanomaterials
  3. Extend the concept to explain some daily observed phenomena or device applications
  4. Describe the basic flow of the nanomaterials preparation process by drawing the flow chart of different synthesis approaches
  5. State how the synthesis parameters and kinetic factors would affect the morphology and physical properties of the nanoparticles
  6. Design chemical synthesis routes to make complex nanostructures.
  7. Describe the methods used to address the stability issue of nanoparticles and the underlying principles
  8. Describe the important applications and properties of several typical nanomaterials and explain the mechanisms.

Course Content

Introduction to nanomaterials, size effects, properties and applications of nanomaterials, synthesis methods, stabilization and assembly of nanomaterials, characterization of nanomaterials, and existing & emerging applications (case studies).

Reading and References

  1. Nanostructures and Nanomaterials -Synthesis, Properties and Applications, Cao Guozhong and Wang Ying, World Scientific Publishing,2nd edition,2011
  2. Nanomaterials: An Introduction to Synthesis, Properties and Applications, Dieter,Vollath, Wiley, 2008
  3. Nanoscale Materials in Chemistry, edited by Kenneth J. Klabunde & Ryan M.Richards, John Wiley & Sons, 2nd edition, 2009.