Course syllabus

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Course-PM

KOO093 The synthesis, properties and structures of solid state materials lp1 HT20 (7.5 hp)

Contact details

Course purpose

The overall aim of the course is to give a good understanding of the synthesis, structure and properties of inorganic materials in the solid state, and to illustrate the technological applications of such materials. In addition an understanding of the relations between structure of materials and their properties will be obtained.

Schedule

TimeEdit 

Laboratory work (mandatory)

Detailed plan of lectures, exercises and laboratory work: Plan for lectures, exercises and practicals

Course literature

Main course book will be: Lesley Smart and Elaine Moore - Solid State chemistry, 4th or 5th Edition, CRC Press 2012, ISBN 978-1-4398-4790-9. The essential is also available in the 3rd edition that can be accessed as ebook through Chalmers library at https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=cat07472a&AN=clec.DAWVLE08620466&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=s3911979&authtype=sso&group=main&profile=eds

Suggested reading, Chapters and sections from the 4th edition of Smart & Moore. You will find the corresponding chapters in the other editions. Readinglist.pdf

And with that Laboratory Assignment (LA) and distributed course material.

Other books that might give additional insights 

1. Mark T Weller et al. Inorganic Chemistry, 7th Edition (IC), OUP2018, ISBN 978-0-19-876812-8

2. Mark T Weller et al. Characterisation Methods in Inorganic Chemistry (CMIC), OUP 2017, ISBN 978-0-19-965441-3

3. Extra material & Lesley Smart & Elaine Moore- Solid State chemistry, 4th Edition (S&M), CRC Press 2012, ISBN 978-1-4398-4790-9 (support to lectures L2, L3, L4 and L10).

4. Theo Hahn (editor), International Tables for Crystallography, Volume A, Kluwer Academic Publishers (ITCvolA)

5. Laboratory Assignment (LA) and distributed course material

 

Course design

The course is based on the following main areas delat with in the lectures:

  • Crystal structures
  • Synthesis of polycrystalline materials
  • Ceramic processing
  • Introduction to symmetry operations and space group
  • Diffraction theory and complementarity of X-ray and neutron diffraction
  • Introduction to research at large scale facilities
  • Various methods of characterizing solids
  • Bonding in solids
  • Defects and non-stoichiometry
  • Physical properties of solids
  • Zeolites and nanocrystalline materials
  • Introduction to magnetism
  • Conductivity and carrier transport
  • Magnetism & magnetic materials
  • Ionic conductivity: batteries and fuel cells

In addition, there are four compulsory laboratory assignments and a computer exercise, illustrating various aspects of solid state chemistry.

Organisation

The course is based on a series of lectures. In the lectures demonstrations and problem solving are integrated. The course encompasses lectures/exercises (32 h) and laboratory experiments (24 h).

It is recommended you follow the reading instructions and prepare yourself before the lectures. Within brackets chapters covered are given. At the very end of the PM, exercises for the different book chapters and handouts are suggested.

Some self-studies: Characterisation of materials, structure and crystallographic concepts are some central themes of the course. It is therefore, in connection to the start of the course, recommended to read through chapter 1 “Fundamental aspects of characterisation methods in inorganic chemistry” in reference 2 (CMIC) as well as sections 4.1- 4.8, chapter 4 “The structure of simple solids” in reference 1 (IC). It will give you good support for the lectures on close packings and structure week 36 and 37, and on Symmetry operations as well as diffraction week 38.

You are also advised to read chapters 2 and 3 in reference 1 (IC), “Molecular structure and bonding” and “Molecular symmetry” to be prepared for the lectures on Symmetry operations week 38 and Characterisation methods presented week 40 and 41.

The references above refer to the Course literature given above.

Changes made since the last occasion

The course will be given in an online format only, including the laboratory exercises.

Learning objectives and syllabus

  1. Explain the importance of close-packing in inorganic chemistry and its relevance to crystal structures and properties of solid materials.
  2. Describe a number of common inorganic type-structures, and have an understanding for why certain materials adopt certain type-structures.
  3. Apply the knowledge about crystal structures and bonding to predict a materials electrical, magnetic, optical and mechanical properties. You should also be able to describe how various types of defects affect the properties of a solid material.
  4. Understand the basics in diffraction theory and symmetry relevant for analysing crystalline powder samples. This means that you understand Bragg's law, basic diffraction theory, and symmetry operations and the theory behind absent reflections. From a powder pattern of a cubic crystalline material you should be able to calculate the unit cell dimensions and determine the Bravais lattice type.
  5. Understand methods for producing X-rays and neutrons and how the probes give complementary structural information.
  6. Apply the proper preparative method for the preparation of inorganic materials by using information in the scientific literature. After the preparation you should be able to identify the reaction products, and determine and identify impurities. Based on this information you should be able to develop an improved preparative route in order to obtain pure reaction products.
  7. Describe and explain common experimental techniques used to characterize solid materials. This includes practical experience of powder diffraction and thermal analysis (DTA, TG and DSC).
  8. If properties are not characterized by the above methods you should be able to recommend other methods. This includes for example various spectroscopic methods as IR, UV, EXAFS, NMR as well as SEM and TEM.
  9. Ionic vs. electronic conductivity, conductivity mechanism, role of defects and structure, solid electrolyse, battery, fuel cell, sensor materials.
  10. Read and understand a scientific paper in the field of inorganic solid state, structure reports as well as papers dealing with properties, or materials synthesis.
  11. Knowledge as well as practical experience of several databases as ICSD, CSD is also something you will obtain. Using graphical software (Diamond) to draw crystal structures from a standard data-file (CIF-format) containing structural data.
  12. Describe the importance and potentials of solid state materials for the development of a sustainable society.

Link to the syllabus on Studieportalen. Study plan

Examination form

Written exam. 2020-10-30, 2020-08-24
Laboratory practicals including written report and oral presentation (during computer excercise 2)

Course summary:

Date Details Due