Definition of nanostructured material: properties and applications. Techniques for nanomaterials characterization (UV-vis., Fluorescence, SAXS, XRD, TEM/SEM, etc.). Main routes for nanomaterials preparation: nanoparticles, nanowires and quantum dots synthesis. Surface functionalization. In laboratory: synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles (metals, oxides and hydroxides), ferrofluids and quantum dots; synthesis of hollow nanoparticles; synthesis of solid lipid and polymeric nanoparticles.
G. Cao, Nanostructures and Nanomaterials, Synthesis, properties and Application.
A. S. Edelstein, R. C. Cammarata, Nanomaterials: synthesis, properties, and applications.
L. M. Liz-Marzán, P. V. Kamat
Nanoscale Materials.
Online handouts on the MOODLE platform.
Learning Objectives
The aim of this course is to provide a fundamental knowledge on the design, preparation and characterization of nanostructured materials. The course is composed of a theoretical part, (3 CFU) providing the student with the bases on the most used approaches for the nanomaterials production and nanostructural characterization. In the second part of the course (3 CFU), the student will synthesize and characterize in the laboratory some classes of nanomaterials.
At the end of the course, students will have the fundamental knowledge to design, prepare and characterize some of the most important classes of nanomaterials.
Prerequisites
No mandatory courses.
Recommended: Physical Chemistry of Nanosystems.
Teaching Methods
Lectures (hours): 24
Laboratory practice (hours): 36
Type of Assessment
Oral exam considering even the practical laboratory sessions.
Updated exam dates can be found at: https://studenti.unifi.it/ListaAppelliOfferta.do
Course program
Definition of nanostructured material: properties and applications. Techniques for nanomaterials characterization (UV-vis., fluorescence, SAXS, XRD, TEM/SEM, etc.). Main routes for nanomaterials preparation: nanoparticles, nanowires and quantum dots synthesis. Surface functionalization. In the laboratory: silver nanoparticles synthesis and characterization, their stabilization and organic phase extraction; synthesis and characterization of Cu2O photocatalytic nanocrystals; synthesis of quantum dots (ZnO, CuInS2) and investigation of their absorption and emission properties; synthesis and characterization of nanostructured polymethylmetacrylate; synthesis and purification of iron oxides based ferrofluids; nanosilica synthesis (Stober originated methods) and derived core-shell nanosystems; active molecules storage and their controlled release.