CH3407: Advanced Materials

School Cardiff School of Chemistry
Department Code CHEMY
Module Code CH3407
External Subject Code 100417
Number of Credits 10
Level L7
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Jonathan Bartley
Semester Autumn Semester
Academic Year 2015/6

Outline Description of Module

The module aims to provide the student with an overview of the synthesis and applications of specific advanced materials in the modern chemical environment. The structure-function relationship in colloidal systems will the examined, with particular emphasis on the characterisation techniques used to investigate the structure of the colloid system. Selected case studies in the drug delivery area will also be covered. The characteristics and applications of reactions in the solid state will be discussed. Heterogeneous catalysts are also vital to the chemical industry, so the preparation, characterisation and applications of these advanced materials will also be treated in depth in the course.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

Knowledge

  • Describe some key methods for the characterisation of colloidal systems, including their applicability and limitations;
  • Explain the influence of surfactant molecular structure on adsorption, aggregation;
  • Identify similarities and differences between solid state and fluid state reactions;
  • Predict the interactions of molecules by making connections to crystal structure;
  • Identify similarities and differences between amorphous and crystalline solids at the molecular level;
  • Describe the application of diffraction and spectroscopic techniques in the monitoring of organic solid state reactions.
  • Describe how the molecular structure of a polymer provides important properties such as thermal stability and functionality;
  • Describe different methods for synthesising heterogeneous catalysts;
  • Link the catalyst synthesis methods to the final structure of the catalysts;
  • Appreciate how structure and activity of heterogeneous catalysts can be controlled using different synthetic methodologies.

Understanding

  • Understand the importance of advanced characterisation methods to determine colloidal structure;
  • Understand the importance of rheological characteristics in colloidal formulations;
  • Understand the functional limitations on materials used for drug delivery compared to alternative purposes;
  • Understand the effect of imperfections on reactions in crystalline solids;
  • Understand how organic chemistry can be applied to make materials with useful functionality;
  • Understand the importance of synthesis methodologies on structure and activity of heterogeneous catalysts;
  • Understand the structural features of catalysts that can be controlled using different synthetic methodologies.

Intellectual skills

  • Show some experience in linking novel synthetic and preparative methods to a series of advanced materials;
  • Demonstrate some appreciation for the important factors in formulating a new colloidal product;
  • Understand the important structural features of different classes of heterogeneous catalysts and understand how these relate to activity for different processes.

How the module will be delivered

The module will be delivered in 10 two-hour lectures, supplemented by 4 one-hour class tutorials.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Reasoned understanding based on knowledge accumulated over the course of the degree, leading to prediction of system behaviour.

How the module will be assessed

The module will be assessed by a combination of coursework (20%) and written examination (80%). Coursework will be broken down into three assessed workshops, one on each topic covered in the module.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Autumn Semester 80 Advanced Materials 2
Written Assessment 20 Written Assignments N/A

Syllabus content

Colloidal systems: This part of the module will focus on structure-activity relationships in colloidal systems relevant to important applications in industry and healthcare, plus advanced methods used for their characterisation. Topics will include: advanced characterisation techniques, structure activity relationships in surfactants, polymer solutions, polymer particle interactions, polymer surfactant interactions and a case study – colloids in drug delivery.

Organic solid state reactivity: This part of the module will focus on differences between solution and solid state reactions, thermal reactions, photochemical reactions, reaction efficiency, reaction selectivity and stereochemical control. Topics will include the design of materials (structural requirements, synthons, supramolecular chemistry, crystal engineering), characterization techniques (application of IR, PXRD and SCXRD), green synthesis and reaction mechanism.

Synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts: This part of the module will focus on the synthesis of catalysts and supports. It will include case studies of different catalyst systems. Different synthesis methods will be introduced such as sol-gel, hard and soft templating, antisolvent precipitation to prepare bulk catalysts and supports. Methods of preparing supported catalysts will also be covered including impregnation, deposition-precipitation and the use of pre-formed sols.

Essential Reading and Resource List

Owing to the advanced nature of the material covered in this module, many of the specialist textbooks are not readily available. Therefore an up-to-date reading list will be included in the course handbook. Many important monographs, and reviews pertaining to the module will be available to the students.

Background Reading and Resource List

Owing to the advanced nature of the material covered in this module, many of the specialist textbooks are not readily available. Therefore an up-to-date reading list will be included in the course handbook. Many important monographs, and reviews pertaining to the module will be available to the students.


Copyright Cardiff University. Registered charity no. 1136855