OVERVIEW

Introduction to processes for the preparation and modification of functional inorganic materials. Properties of the synthesized materials and their applications.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Introduction to the various processes for the preparation and modification of inorganic materials. Properties of the synthesized materials and applications.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course aims at understanding the big role of functional materials in modern technologies and the working methodology in material research through the study of different classes of materials.

At the end of the course, students are expected to understand:

- Functionalities of materials used as sensors and actuators.

- Working principles of different classes of functional materials.

- Main techniques of synthesis of these materials.

- Chemical and physical parameters allowing to improve device performances

PREREQUISITES

Fundamentals of chemistry and physics

TEACHING METHODS

Traditional lectures from the teacher and, when possible, seminars given by experts at international level. Students can use material uploaded in Aulaweb. Partecipation to the lecture is strongly recommended.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

This course will introduce the processes for the preparation of functional inorganic materials. Three different classes of materials will be studied and, for each class, chemical, physical and application aspects will be discussed in a comprehensive way.

Introduction to the lecture: Course objectives. Definition of functional materials and its relations to smart materials. Trasducers, sensors and actuators. Use of sensors in high technological devices (e.g. smartphones). MEMS.

Solid state synthesis: Solid state reactions: ceramic method, Combustion Synthesis. Co-precipitation methods. Precursor methods. Mechano-chemical Synthesis. Sintering. Intercalation reactions. Related examples.

Formation of Solids from Solutions and Melts: Sol-gel process: definition, steps and reactions. Examples. Solvothermal Processes. Hydrothermal synthesis of single crystals.

Thin-film deposition techniques:  Introduction and process steps. Classification of thin-film deposition technology. Physical vapor deposition and chemical vapor deposition. Examples of use in different fields. Evaporation step. Knudsen number. Step coverage. Deposition steps. Epitaxy. Fractional mismatch. Substrates for epitaxy. Heteroepitaxy of semiconductors. Epitaxy techniques (LPE, VPE, MBE, MOCVD). Energy beams: electron beams, cathodic and anodic arc, pulsed beams, ion-beam sputtering. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and comparison with physical vapor deposition PVD. Gas transport, reactors and typical overall reactions used in CVD. Precursors. Case exemplary study: Deposition of SiO2.

Single crystals growing in functional materials:  Semiconductor materials list. p-n junction. Methods for single crystal production of semiconductors: Czochralski process, Float-zone growing, Bridgman technique. Wafer production of Si -p and –n doped.

Three examples of functional materials:

Themoelectric materials:  Seebeck and Peltier effects. . Figure of merit zT. Thermoelectric modules. Phonon-glass electron crystal (PGEC). Applications.

Piezoelectrics: Piezoelectricity and crystal symmetry. Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and other perovskitic materials. Their applications.

LED (Light Emitting Diodes): From infrared to the blue LED.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Synthesis of Inorganic Materials, U.Schubert, N.Hüsing, Wiley-VCH, 2012

Inorganic materials, D.W.Bruce, D.O’Hare, J.Wiley&Sons, 1997

Basic Solid State Chemistry, A.R.West, Wiley-VCH, 1984

Solid State chemistry, Anthony R. West, J. Wiley e Sons 1990

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MAURO GIOVANNINI (President)

PAOLA RIANI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

22/2/2022

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Student evaluation will be carried out in a traditional way, by means of a written final exam.

In the case the student is willing to improve his/her mark, he/she could take a further oral examination.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written examination allows to check accurately the achievement of the educational goals of the course. It will consists of 6 questions about subjects discussed during the lecture and in order to pass the exam the student should answer, at least,  to 4 of them.

Exam schedule