OBIETTIVI FORMATIVI

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

OBIETTIVI FORMATIVI (DETTAGLIO) E RISULTATI DI APPRENDIMENTO

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 devices performances

PREREQUISITI

Fundamentals of chemistry and physics

MODALITA' DIDATTICHE

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.

PROGRAMMA/CONTENUTO

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.

TESTI/BIBLIOGRAFIA

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