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 CHEMICAL NANOTECHNOLOGY
Code CHEM494
Coordinator Prof M Brust
Chemistry
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2008-09 M Level Second Semester 7.5

Aims

The aims of this module are:

  • To introduce the student to some current problems and challenges of materials chemistry.
  • To provide the student with knowledge of important experimental methods in nanostructure research.
  • To create an appreciation for applied aspects of research in this area.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should:

  • Understand the concept of Self-assembly.
  • Have an overview of chemical and materials aspects of nanotechnology.
  • Be acquainted with metal, semiconductor and carbonaceous nanostructures.
  • Know the basics of TEM, STM and AFM
  • Be able to comment critically on prospective applications of nanostructured materials.

Syllabus
0 
  • Introduction to chemical aspects of modern materials science
  • Aspects of self-organisation in natural and artificial systems.
  • Metal and semiconductor clusters.
  • Multi- and single walled carbon nanotubes and fullerenes.
  • Modern microscopy techniques (HRTEM, SPM)
  • Applications of nanostructures and materials(electronic devices, biomedical, etc.)

Teaching and Learning Strategies

The material in this modules will be presented via a series of lectures supported by two workshops.


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

   2

       18
Timetable (if known) Wed 10-11am, Fri 9-10am
  		           
Private Study 57
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Written Examination  2 hours  second  100  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
             

Recommended Texts

The following articles are all to be found in HCL or in the ChemistryLibrary and should be read in this order as an introduction before the first lecture. Further material will be given during the module

  • G.M. Whitesides, J.P. Mathias, C.T. Seto, Science 1991, 254, 1321. "Molecular Self-Assembly and Nanochemistry: A Chemical Strategy for the Synthesis of Nanostructures"
  • Feature articles in Science 1996, 271, 920. "Small Clusters Hit the Big Time." Read in particular the article by A.P. Alivisatos.
  • D.L. Feldheim, C.D. Keating, Chem. Soc. Rev. 1998, 27, 1. "Self-assembly of single electron transistors and related devices"
  • P. Ball, New Scientist 29 November 1997, 40."Crystal gazing"