OVERVIEW

The course is divided in two parts, each of 3 CFU .

The two sides correspond to distinct topics:

a) Introduction to colloidal systems from a chemical-physical point of view

b) The X-ray diffraction with practical applications in the powder diffraction

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To consolidate the basic concepts of physical chemistry, with particular reference to solutions. To provide the basic physico-chemical concepts necessary for understanding the phenomena governing the formation, properties, stability of colloidal systems. To consolidate the knowledge on the theoretical principles of diffraction, through practical experiences carried out by means of specific crystallographic software.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching course is carried out in a traditional way,  ie through lectures and exercises and/or guided practical exercises in the classroom. In general, exercise sessions involve the entire class, while practical exercises, being more complex, are proposed to groups of students in different shifts.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Part 1: Introduction to the chemistry of colloids and surfaces. Sedimentation and diffusion and the equilibrium between them. Thermodynamics of solutions: osmotic and Donnan equilibria. Surface tension and contact angle. Van der Waals forces.
Part 2: Theory of diffraction. Methods of crystallographic analysis based ondifferent diffraction techniques (RX, neutron, synchrotron). Interpretation of diffraction data from polycrystalline samples: indexing methods, solution methods (outline), structural refinement with the Rietveld method. Tutorials on some issues through the use of specific software.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

In addition to the material (available on Aulaweb) provided by the professor, the following textbooks are recommended:

• P. C. Hiemenz, R. Rajagopalan, "Principles of colloid and surface science" 3rd ed.

• P. Atkins, "Chimica fisica"

• C. Giacovazzo, H.L. Monaco, G. Artioli, D. Viterbo, G. Ferraris, G. Gilli, G. Zanotti,       M. Catti “Fundamentals of Crystallography” Ed. C. Giacovazzo

• V. K. Pecharsky, P. Y. Zavalij “Fundamentals of powder diffraction and structural    characterization of materials” Kluwer Academic Press

• International Tables of Crystallography Vols.1-4

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARCELLA PANI (President)

CRISTINA ARTINI

MARIA CARNASCIALI

MAURIZIO FERRETTI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Class starts according to the official beginning of the first semester, as reported in the Manifesto 2017 (general part)

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is oral, and at least two general questions, one for each part of the course, have to be expected.

The teachers of the Commission invite the student to present each topic in a systematic and complete. To ensure the effective preparation of the student and the understanding of the subject, during the test the student is urged to answer more specific questions, making connections and deductions.

As an alternative test mode, the student can choose to explore one of the topics covered in class, preparing a written report which will then be presented orally during the test. In this case, the subject must be agreed in advance with the teacher.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Both the reasoning ability and ability to answer specific questions are evaluated. The exam should serve to assess whether the student has acquired the theoretical concepts and whether it is able to apply them to simple real situations.

Exam schedule