OVERVIEW

Nanostructured Magnetic Materials is an inorganic and physical chemistry-oriented course devoted to the study of the theoretical and experimental principles underlying the physical chemistry of nanostructured materials with magnetic properties. The course explores the relationships between synthesis, structure, morphology, and magnetic properties, providing students with the tools required for the rational design of functional magnetic materials. Furthermore, the course is built around the correlation between synthesis, structure, and properties, an approach that represents a general methodology in materials science and is broadly applicable to the study and design of advanced functional materials.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching will provide the student with the basic elements of the physical chemistry of magnetic materials. By the correlation of morpho-structural features, chemical-physical properties, and synthetic techniques the student will be trained in the design nanostructured magnetic materials for specific applications.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the principles of physical chemistry applied to nanostructured magnetic materials, with particular emphasis on the relationships among chemical composition, crystal structure, morphology, surface properties, synthesis techniques, characterization methodologies, and magnetic properties. Through the study of the main physicochemical mechanisms governing the behavior of nanostructured magnetic materials, students will develop a rational approach to materials design based on the understanding of the correlations between synthesis, structure, properties, and performance. Upon successful completion of the teaching, students will be able to critically understand and interpret the relationships between the composition, structure, and properties of nanostructured magnetic materials; evaluate the influence of different synthesis strategies on their physicochemical and magnetic characteristics; analyse the main experimental results obtained through structural, morphological, and magnetic characterization techniques; and identify the most appropriate approaches for designing materials intended for specific technological applications. The teaching will also provide students with a methodology for materials analysis and design based on the structure–property–performance paradigm, which is transferable to the broader field of advanced materials science. By the end of the teaching, students will have developed the ability to critically and independently address problems related to the design and development of functional materials, applying the knowledge acquired during the teaching to material systems beyond those specifically covered in the course.

PREREQUISITES

Successful attendance of this teaching requires a solid background in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. In particular, students are expected to possess the mathematical tools necessary for the quantitative description of physicochemical phenomena, a sound understanding of the fundamental principles of physics, and a solid knowledge of the basic concepts of general chemistry, with particular emphasis on the structure of matter, chemical bonding, and the principles of thermodynamics.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching consists of 40 hours of lectures, during which theoretical and methodological aspects of the syllabus will be presented, with particular emphasis on the relationships between synthesis, structure, properties, and performance of magnetic materials. The lectures will be complemented by the discussion of case studies selected from the recent scientific literature, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts to current research challenges and real-world technological applications. The teaching also includes 13 hours of laboratory activities, carried out in small groups, devoted to the synthesis, characterization, and analysis of the magnetic properties of both bulk and nanostructured magnetic materials. Through these laboratory sessions, students will become familiar with the main experimental techniques, develop the ability to critically interpret experimental data, and acquire practical skills in the rational design of magnetic materials for specific technological applications. Attendance at the lectures is strongly recommended, as they provide the essential theoretical background required for the laboratory activities and for the correct interpretation of the experimental results. Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), disabilities, or other educational needs must contact the teacher and the inclusion representative of the School of Mathematical, Physical, and Natural Sciences (sergio.didomizio@unige.it) by email at the lessons start to agree on teaching methods that, while respecting the objectives of the class, take into account individual learning skill. For more information about requesting services and adaptations see the Link https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction to Nanostructured Magnetic Materials. Classification of magnetic materials, the main classes of magnetic nanoparticles and nanocomposites, and their applications in biomedicine, energy, environmental technologies, and sensing. Review of the units used in magnetism (SI and c.g.s. systems).

Origin of Magnetism and Magnetic Properties of Matter. Orbital and spin magnetic moments, quantum description of magnetism, Hund's rules, and exchange interactions. Diamagnetism, paramagnetism, and magnetism of transition metal compounds. Ferromagnetism, antiferromagnetism, and ferrimagnetism: molecular field theory, the Heisenberg model, and the main magnetic phase transitions.

Nanomagnetism. Effects of size reduction on magnetic properties. Single-domain and multidomain particles. Magnetic anisotropy (magnetocrystalline, shape, surface, and magnetoelastic anisotropy), domain walls, dipolar and exchange interactions. Superparamagnetism, magnetic relaxation, blocking temperature, superspin glass behavior, and collective phenomena in assemblies of magnetic nanoparticles.

Mössbauer Spectroscopy. Fundamentals of the Mössbauer effect and hyperfine interactions. Interpretation of the main Mössbauer parameters (isomer shift, quadrupole splitting, and hyperfine magnetic field). Applications of Mössbauer spectroscopy to the characterization of iron oxides, ferrites, and nanostructured magnetic materials, with particular emphasis on cation distribution, surface effects, superparamagnetism, and magnetic interfaces.

Case Studies on Nanostructured Magnetic Materials. Analysis of selected case studies from the recent scientific literature focusing on the design of nanostructured magnetic materials for advanced technological applications. For each system, synthesis strategies, the relationships between composition, structure, morphology, and magnetic properties, as well as the main structural, morphological, and magnetic characterization techniques (DC and AC magnetometry, X-ray and neutron diffraction, electron microscopies, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and other advanced spectroscopic methods) will be discussed in an integrated manner. Particular emphasis will be placed on the critical interpretation of experimental data, the structure–property–performance relationship, and the rational design of functional materials for applications in biomedicine, energy, environmental technologies, and sensing.

Applications of Nanostructured Magnetic Materials. Hard and soft magnetic materials, permanent magnets, magnetic hyperthermia, controlled drug delivery, biomedical imaging, magnetic separation, catalysis, sensing, and applications in energy conversion and storage devices.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

S. Blundell, Magnetism in condensed matter. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001.

J.M.D. Coey, Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, Cambridge University Press, New York, 2010.

D. Peddis, P. E. Jönsson, S. Laureti, and G. Varvaro, Magnetic interactions: A tool to modify the magnetic properties of materials based on nanoparticles, vol. 6. 2014.

G. Muscas, N. Yaacoub, and D. Peddis, Novel Magnetic Nanostrucures Unique properties and applications. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier, 2019.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The schedule of classes is published @Link

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The assessment consists of an oral examination lasting approximately 45–60 minutes, conducted in the presence of two faculty members from the relevant scientific disciplinary sector. The assessment includes: Oral examination (70% of the final grade). The examination begins with a presentation (maximum duration: 15 minutes), optionally supported by a PowerPoint presentation, on one or more scientific articles assigned by the instructor. The presentation will serve as the basis for the subsequent discussion, during which students will be asked to further discuss the topics covered in the articles and demonstrate their knowledge of the entire syllabus, with particular emphasis on the ability to critically interpret the scientific literature, experimental data, and the relationships between synthesis, structure, properties, and performance of nanostructured magnetic materials. Individual laboratory notebook (5% of the final grade). Students are required to prepare an individual laboratory notebook containing a detailed record of all experimental and data analysis activities carried out during the laboratory sessions. The laboratory notebook must be submitted to the instructor at least one week before the oral examination. Laboratory report (25% of the final grade). Students, working in small groups, are required to prepare a laboratory report according to the guidelines provided during the course. The report should include: (a) a description of the theoretical background and experimental procedures; and (b) the analysis, interpretation, and critical discussion of the experimental results. The laboratory report must be submitted to the instructor at least one week before the oral examination. The final grade will be based on the student's theoretical knowledge, ability to critically analyse the scientific literature and experimental results, laboratory skills, and appropriate use of scientific terminology.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The assessment of the intended learning outcomes will be based on the integrated evaluation of the oral examination, the individual laboratory notebook, and the laboratory report. In particular, the oral examination will assess the student's knowledge of the topics covered in the teaching, as well as their ability to critically analyse and discuss the scientific literature, interpret experimental data, and correlate the synthesis, structure, properties, and performance of nanostructured magnetic materials. Students' reasoning skills, critical thinking, scientific communication, and appropriate use of technical terminology will also be evaluated. The evaluation of the individual laboratory notebook will assess the student's ability to document laboratory activities in a rigorous and systematic manner, organize experimental data appropriately, and clearly describe experimental procedures, observations, and results. The evaluation of the laboratory report will assess the student's ability to critically analyse and interpret experimental results, relate them to the theoretical concepts covered during the teaching, and present them according to the standards of scientific communication. The report will also be used to evaluate the ability to prepare a well-organized scientific document and to work effectively as part of a team. Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), disabilities, or other educational needs may request exam adaptations. Well in advance of the exam date (at least 7 days), they must fill out the appropriate online form  (https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back) and contact the teacher and the inclusion representative of the School of Mathematical, Physical, and Natural Sciences (sergio.didomizio@unige.it) by email. For more information about requesting services and adaptations see the Link https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi.