OVERVIEW

The course is composed of two distinct parts, each of them corresponding to  3 ECTS.

a) X-ray diffraction with specific applications to the powder diffraction

b) Introduction to colloidal systems, from a physico-chemical point of view

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The first part of the course is devoted to diffraction techniques: the aim is to consolidate the knowledge on the theoretical principles of diffraction through practical experiences involving the use of specific crystallographic software. The second part of the course is devoted to the chemistry of colloids: the aim is to provide the basic physico-chemical concepts needed to understand the phenomena regulating the formation, some properties and the stability of colloidal systems.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

In the first part, the course aims at using the theoretical concepts of diffraction to analyze and interpret powder diffraction data from a practical point of view. At the end of the lessons the student will be able to correctly interpret and use the International Tables of Crystallography, and will have acquired useful knowledge for the characterization of polycrystalline materials. In particular, the student is expected to be able to interpret simple powder diffraction patterns, identifying the phases present through indexing and calculation of the lattice  parameters; in addition the student should be able to perform a structural refinement with the Rietveld method.

In the second part, the course aims at providing a basic knowledge of colloidal systems and a general understanding, from a chemical-physical point of view, of some of their relevant properties in different fields of materials science. At the end of the lessons it is expected that the student has learned which physical factors are important to describe a colloidal system and the main characterization techniques. Furthermore, it is expected that the student will be able to use the concepts of thermodynamics (chemical potential, equilibrium, free energy, surface / interfacial energy) in order to understand and analyze some properties and behaviors of colloidal solutions, and their stability.

TEACHING METHODS

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

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Part 1: Theory of diffraction. Methods of crystallographic analysis based on different diffraction techniques (RX, neutron, synchrotron). Interpretation of diffraction data from polycrystalline samples: indexing methods, structural refinement with the Rietveld method. Tutorials on some issues through the use of specific software.

Part 2: 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.
 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Besides the material present in Aulaweb, suggested books/readings are:

• 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 (Substitute)

MAURIZIO FERRETTI (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

As reported in the Manifesto, lessons start from 26/09/2022.

The calendar is visible at  https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is oral, and includes at least two general questions, one for each part of which the course is composed.
The professor invites the student to present each topic in an organic and complete way. To ascertain the student's preparation and understanding of the subject, during the interview the student is asked to answer more specific questions, making connections and deductions.
As an alternative method of examination, the student can choose to deepen one of the topics covered in class, preparing a written report that will then be presented orally during the test and discussed with the commission. In this case the topic must be decided in advance with the teacher agreement.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

In addition to the student's ability to present a topic in a general framework, his / her reasoning skills and ability to answer to specific questions are assessed. Passing the exam presupposes the effective acquisition of the theoretical concepts; in particular, the student will demonstrate the understanding  of certain physical and / or chemical-physical laws and the right interpretation of the reason why certain phenomena occur. Moreover, the student's ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real situations or to solve simple problems is positively evaluated.

Exam schedule