Course detail
Introduction to Nanotechnology
FCH-BC_UNANAcad. year: 2024/2025
The course will provide students with a deeper insight into nanotechnology. In the first block, students will be introduced to a variety of methods for the preparation of different types of nanostructures (0D, 1D, 2D and some 3D), from theoretical background to practical implementation. The second block of lectures will be focused on understanding the physical properties (mechanical, optical, electrical and magnetic) of structures in the nanoscale and demonstrating their practical use on specific applications. The last part is a summary of the risks associated with the use of nanomaterials from a health and ecological perspective.
Language of instruction
Number of ECTS credits
Mode of study
Guarantor
Department
Entry knowledge
The student should have knowledge of general basic subjects (mathematics, physics, chemistry) and selected chapters from Physical Chemistry I, II.
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
The course is completed by an examination consisting of two parts: a written part and an oral part in the form of a colloquium. The written part of the exam will test the level of understanding of the subject and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical examples. If students achieve at least 50% of the marks in the written test, they will proceed to the oral part of the exam. In the form of a colloquium, they will go through the written part with the teacher, defending and completing their answers. Performance in the oral portion of the exam can then lead to an improved grade.
Aims
The aim of the course is to provide students with a basic orientation in the rapidly developing field of nanotechnology. Students will gain a basic understanding of nanotechnology, characterisation and applications of nanostructured materials. This knowledge can be used in the preparation of their thesis and later as technologists and researchers. The course will provide students with a basic overview and understanding of nanotechnology and nanomaterials. Understand and comprehend the behaviour of nanostructures and be able to describe their properties. Students will be introduced to the preparation and characterisation of nanomaterials and their application in industrial practice.
Study aids
Prerequisites and corequisites
Basic literature
Ramsedn J.: Essentials of Nanotechnology. BookBoon 2009
Rogers B.: Nanotechnology : Understanding Small Systems, Third Edition. Taylor & Francis Group, Oakville 2017.
Stuart L.: Introduction to Nanoscience. Oxford University Press, New Your 2010
Recommended reading
Classification of course in study plans
- Programme BPCP_MPMU Bachelor's 3 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
Type of course unit
Lecture
Teacher / Lecturer
Syllabus
1. Introduction - basic concepts, nomenclature, differences between nano and macro-objects, natural nanomaterials, brief history. Top-down and bottom-up approach, categorization by dimensionality (geometry of nano-objects), increasing influence of surface atoms, quantum effects.
BLOCK - PREPARATION
2. Preparation of nanoparticles (0D geometry of nanostructures) - preparation of particles from aqueous solution (nucleation theory, colloidal and micellar systems, pyrolysis). Preparation of particles from organometallic compounds (sol-gel, polymerisation methods, templating).
3. Preparation of thin films (1D geometry of nanostructures), growth mechanisms of thin films, effect of temperature and deposition rate, epitaxial growth. Gas phase physical and chemical methods - vapour deposition, sputtering, PVD, CVD. Solution coating (methods based on the sol-gel process). Printing (inkjet, 3D printing). Deposition - EPD, electro and force spinning). Pyrolysis. Lithography.
4. Nature-inspired nanomaterials and nanotechnology - hierarchical structure of natural systems, biomimetic approach to making artificial structures, tissue engineering (hydrogels, scaffolds, proteins and DNA structures).
BLOCK - CHARACTERISATION
5. Methods of investigation of nanomaterials I - characterisation by spectroscopic methods (fluorescence, Raman, UV-VIS reflectance, ellipsometry), morphology of prepared particles by electron microscopy (SEM, TEM). Electrical properties.
6. Methods of investigation of nanomaterials II - colloidal characteristics (particle size, DLS and zeta potential), porous structure - adsorption, chemisorption, micellar structure (SAXS-XRD), surface investigation (AFM, STM, SNOM), surface functionalization.
BLOCK - PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS
7. Physical properties of nanomaterials in general - mechanical, optical, electrical and magnetic properties. Heterocatalysis and photocatalysis.
8. Nanomaterials and their applications I - nanooptics and nanoelectronics (surface plasmon, nanopigments, nanophotonics, semiconductor nanoparticles), carbon nanostructures.
9. Nanomaterials and their applications II - medical applications (nanomagnetism, i.e. magnetic carriers, MRI, cancer treatment), medical diagnostics, tissue engineering, cosmetics.
10. Nanomaterials and their applications III - "energy harvesting" (energy conversion, storage and accumulation - solar cells, batteries, fuel cells, hydrogen technology, CCSU technology), self-cleaning and antibacterial applications.
11. Nanomaterials and their applications IV - waste management (nanomembranes for wastewater treatment, zeolites), waste valorisation, mechanical resistance enhancement (carbon nanotubes, NEMS/MEMS, surface treatments, etc.), use in building materials (colloids, nanoparticles, composites).
12. Health, environmental and social implications of nanotechnologies. Risks of nanotechnology.
13. Presentation of student projects.