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 SOLID STATE CHEMISTRY, STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES: C OPTION
Code CHEM441
Coordinator Dr JB Claridge
Chemistry
J.B.Claridge@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2014-15 M Level First Semester 7.5

Aims

The aims of the module are

  • To provide an introduction to the methods available for the characterisation of solid state materials.
  • To provide an introduction to structures solid state materials and their description.
  • To provide an understanding of the behaviour of electrons in extended solids.
  • To provide an understanding of the role of defects in determining the structure and properties of extended solids.
  • To provide a perspective on the ranges of properties displayed by solids, particularly cooperative magnetism, ferroelectricity, superconductivity and ionic conductivity

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module students will

  • Be aware of the range solid state structures their relationships and description.
  • Be aware of the range of techniques available to the solid state chemist in order to characterise materials and the length scales on which they yield information.
  • Have a basic understanding of the properties of electrons in solids.
  • Understand the origins of cooperative magnetism in solids.
  • Understand the origins of superconductivity in solids.
  • Understand the origins of ferroelectricity in solids.
  • Have a basic understanding of the role of defects in controlling the properties of solids.
  • Have an overview of the commercial applications of the materials discussed.


Syllabus
1 
  • Diffraction techniques: Symmetry in the Solid state. Peak Intensities and the origin of systematic absences. Neutrons versus X-rays. The phase problem. Powder versus Single Crystals. The Rietveld method. Electron diffraction and HRTEM.
  • Spectroscopic  Techniques in the solid state: EXAFS, solid state NMR, and Mössbauer (covered very briefly with the emphasis on the nature of the information obtained not the technique).
  • Defects / non-stoichiometry in solids: Point defects (Frenkel, Schottky). Point defects, electrons and holes as chemical species. Simple thermodynamics of point defects.  Extended defects, shear structures, vernier structures, micro-twin structures, intergrowth structures and adaptive structures.  Real systems: V2O3-V2O4, NiAs type chalcogenides, oxide ion conductors e.g. YSZ.
  • Properties of Solids: Origins and description of Ferroelectricity. Chemical trends in the Mott-Hubbard transition- competition between bandwidth and interelectron repulsion. Co-operative magnetism in localised electron systems: superexchange and ferro-, antiferro- and ferrimagnetism. Curie Weiss law.
  • Case studies in modern materials: The morphotropic phase boundary, lead based ferroelectrics and routes to their replacement. Qualitative outline of BCS theory and application to A3C60 fullerides. Synthesis of A3C60 systems by intercalation Evolution of the electronic properties of the La2-xSrxCuO4 series as a case study to illustrate the behaviour of a doped Mott-Hubbard insulator -superexchange and metal-insulator transitions.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lectures

Tutorials

The factual material will be presented in the 16 lectures together with directed reading in the text books associated with the module. Case studies will be used to illustrate the material and demonstrate the applicability of the principles described to specific cases. The tutorials will consist of problems related to the topics covered in the lectures to require students to demonstrate understanding of the material covered.


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

   2

       18
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 57
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen  2 hours  Semester 1  80  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies   
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen  2x8 hrs tutorial que  Semester 1  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessed tutorial questions This work is not marked anonymously. Written Examination comprising a mix of problem based and descriptive questions designed to test the students' knowledge and understanding of, and ability to apply, lecture material and structured in such a way as to allow the student to demonstrate achievement of the module learning outcomes. August resit for PGT students if applicable. Integrated Master's students resit at the next normal opportunity.  

Recommended Texts

Solid State Chemistry

  • Vitalij K. Pecharsky and Peter Y. Zavalij "Fundamentals of powder diffraction and structural characterization of materials" (2nd edition)
  • Smart and Moore, "Solid State Chemistry" (2nd edition)
  • Hugo F. Franzen, "Physical Chemistry of Inorganic Crystalline Solids"
  • Cheetham and Day, "Solid State Chemistry: Compounds"
  • Cheetham and Day, "Solid State Chemistry: Techniques"
  • Raveau and Rao "Transition Metal Oxides"
  • Cox "Transition Metal Oxides"