CH3409: Chemistry at Phase Boundaries

School Cardiff School of Chemistry
Department Code CHEMY
Module Code CH3409
External Subject Code 101050
Number of Credits 10
Level L7
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader PROFESSOR Philip Davies
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2015/6

Outline Description of Module

Almost every technological application of chemistry relies upon the interactions that occur across an interface between one or more phases: adhesion, corrosion and heterogeneous catalysis are everyday examples. This module describes some aspects of the cutting edge of research being undertaken in the School related to this field. It considers reactions involving both solid/gas and solid liquid interfaces and discusses some of the unique tools being exploited at Cardiff to investigate the technological problems being faced in these areas.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • describe the fundamental principles of surface science
  • describe surface structures and discuss methods of surface analysis
  • appreciate the use of synchrotron methods in probing various interfaces.
  • know how synchrotron radiation is generated and the significance of using tuneable wavelengths of light from the synchrotron.
  • understand various enhanced mechanisms of Raman spectroscopy applied to adsorbates.
  • know the surface selection rules and their uses.
  • explain electronic properties of graphene using simple band structure diagrams.

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

Please see Learning Outcomes.

How the module will be assessed

The module will be assessed by a combination of coursework (20%) and written examination (80%).

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Spring Semester 80 Chemistry At Phase Boundaries 2
Written Assessment 20 Written Assignments N/A

Syllabus content

Fundamental principles of surface science

  • Surface structures and conventions for describing them
  • Experimental methods for exploring surface structure
  • The unique advantages and applications of synchrotron light sources for probing interface environments
  • EXAFS, surface XRD, NEXAFS and real-time “operando” measurements applied to metallic and oxide catalytic surfaces in situ

Vibrational spectroscopy at surfaces and interfaces

  • Fundamentals of Raman spectroscopy, including its advantages for probing heterogeneous catalytic processes
  • Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for overcoming conventional limitations, including resonance-enhanced, surface-enhanced and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopies
  • Case studies of Raman spectroscopy in heterogeneous catalysis: collection of in situ data; mechanistic studies; restructuring phenomena; probing aqueous phase chemistry

Nanoparticle applications and theory
Carbon allotropes

  • Graphene
  • Nanotubes
  • Buckyballs
  • Synthesis of the above materials
  • Examples of superior mechanical and electrical properties based on understanding of electronic structure and energy dispersion curves

Shaped nanoparticles

  • Methods of controlling nanoparticle development in terms of size, shape and composition
  • Examples of superior catalytic and electrocatalytic materials based on Norskov theory and scaling relationships

Photocatalysis
Photovoltaics – the Grätzel cell
Fundamental concepts – tuning the band gap, the nature of the redox centres, the mobility and concentration of charge carriers, measuring the time scales of molecular and electronic events,
Practical details and examples

  • Water purification
  • “Solar fuel” synthesis: water splitting, methanol formation

Surface adhesion from bacteria to aspects of tribology
Friction
Lubricants
Forces between interacting surfaces
Measurement of friction at the nanometre scale

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.


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