Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title SURFACE SCIENCE (C OPTION)
Code CHEM451
Coordinator Prof A Hodgson
Chemistry
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2008-09 M Level First Semester 7.5

Aims

The aim of this module is to develop the students knowledge of surface science. This includes both the understanding of fundamental aspects of surface science, as well as techniques for characterising surfaces in UHV. Applications of surface science to the solid-gas interface will also be discussed.


Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module the students should be able to describe what happens when a free surface is created and also appreciate why surface properties might differ from those of the bulk. They should be able to describe in detail various surface spectroscopic techniques and when they might be used.


Syllabus
0 

Surfaces and interfaces. (Dr Hodgson, 16 lectures, 1 tutorial) This begins by outlining the properties and reactivity of interfaces and their importance in catalysis, device fabrication, coatings and materials.

(i) Structure:Surface structure and symmetry. Reconstruction and relaxation of clean surfaces, surface free energy. Electron density at surfaces and the work function of a metal surface. LEED, STM and ion scattering as surface structural probes.

(ii) Adsorption and desorption at surfaces: Physisorption.Energy transfer to the surface and trapping. Kinetic picture of adsorption and desorption. Adsorption isotherms. Molecular chemisorption and models for CO adsorption, binding energy as a function of position in transition metal series. Atomic adsorption and reconstruction of surfaces. Direct and indirect interactions between adsorbates.

(iii) Reactions at surfaces: Dissociation of small molecules, direct and precursor mediate d dissociation. Shapes for potential energy surfaces for dissociation and the influence of specific degrees of freedom. Kinetic models for trapping - dissociation. Simple surface reactions.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module consists of 16 50-minute lectures to be given in the first semester.  There will be 1 set of tutorial style questions that will be set during the Semester and assessed, to count 20% of the final mark.  Students should expect to spend at about 60 hours in private study related to this module.  The module is also backed-up by helpful handouts.


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 16

   1

       17
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 58
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Written Examinations  2 hours  First Semester  80  August resit opportunity for PGT students only, where applicable. see notes    Year 3 (and Year 4) students resit at the next normal opportunity.  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Extended Problems  1 set  First Semester  20  According to University policy  Standard University Policy applies - see Department/School handbook for details.  This work is not marked anonymously.  

Recommended Texts

Surfaces:

A good introduction can be found in "Surfaces", Attard and Barnes, OUP (1998)

A more advanced text is "Physics at Surfaces", Zangwill, CUP, 1988 or Somoorjai, "Surface Chemistry