Soft Matter and Interfaces

CHEM40222 Soft Matter and Interfaces 10 Semester 2 Undergraduate Level 3 Robert Dryfe Unit coordinator Peter Budd Unit coordinator Andrew Horn Unit coordinator Department of Chemistry 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 5.0 Surfaces & InterfacesProfessor Andrew Horn<ul> <li> Basic structure and properties of solid surfaces (solid structures, unit cells, Miller indices, surfaces of compounds and surface coordination numbers)</li> <li> Surface reactivity (electronic structure of surfaces, bonding to surfaces, physisorption and chemisorption, mechanisms of surface reactions, thermodynamics at surfaces)</li> <li> Surface kinetics (rates of adsorption and desorption, equilibrium coverage, simple isotherms, competing reactions)</li> <li> Liquid surfaces: surface tension, adsorption & surface activity</li> <li> Gibbs adsorption isotherm & surface pressure</li></ul>Physical Properties of PolymersProfessor Peter Budd<ul> <li> History of polymers; natural polymers; synthetic polymers.</li> <li> Physical states of polymers; glass transition temperature; rubber elasticity; high free volume glassy polymers.</li> <li> Crystalline melting point; crystal structure; polymer stereochemistry; polymer single crystals; morphology of semi-crystalline polymers.</li> <li> Distributions of molar mass; average molar masses.</li> <li> Gel permeation chromatography (GPC).</li> <li> Dilute solution viscometry; Mark-Houwink relationship; universal calibration for GPC.</li> <li> Radical chain polymerization: dependence of rate of polymerization and of degree of polymerization on initiator concentration.</li></ul>Colloids & ElectrochemistryProfessor Cinzia Casiraghi<ul> <li> Micelles</li> <li> Colloids examples & stabilisation</li> <li> DLVO & Gouy-Chapman theories</li> <li> The double layer at electrode surfaces</li> <li> Dynamic electrochemistry and electrode kinetics</li> <li> Energy conversion & storage fuel cells, supercapacitors, batteries.</li></ul> Surfaces & InterfacesProfessor Andrew Horn<ul> <li> Basic structure and properties of solid surfaces (solid structures, unit cells, Miller indices, surfaces of compounds and surface coordination numbers)</li> <li> Surface reactivity (electronic structure of surfaces, bonding to surfaces, physisorption and chemisorption, mechanisms of surface reactions, thermodynamics at surfaces)</li> <li> Surface kinetics (rates of adsorption and desorption, equilibrium coverage, simple isotherms, competing reactions)</li> <li> Liquid surfaces: surface tension, adsorption & surface activity</li> <li> Gibbs adsorption isotherm & surface pressure</li></ul>Physical Properties of PolymersProfessor Peter Budd<ul> <li> History of polymers; natural polymers; synthetic polymers.</li> <li> Physical states of polymers; glass transition temperature; rubber elasticity; high free volume glassy polymers.</li> <li> Crystalline melting point; crystal structure; polymer stereochemistry; polymer single crystals; morphology of semi-crystalline polymers.</li> <li> Distributions of molar mass; average molar masses.</li> <li> Gel permeation chromatography (GPC).</li> <li> Dilute solution viscometry; Mark-Houwink relationship; universal calibration for GPC.</li> <li> Radical chain polymerization: dependence of rate of polymerization and of degree of polymerization on initiator concentration.</li></ul>Colloids & ElectrochemistryProfessor Cinzia Casiraghi<ul> <li> Micelles</li> <li> Colloids examples & stabilisation</li> <li> DLVO & Gouy-Chapman theories</li> <li> The double layer at electrode surfaces</li> <li> Dynamic electrochemistry and electrode kinetics</li> <li> Energy conversion & storage fuel cells, supercapacitors, batteries.</li></ul> To provide the students with a detailed understanding of surface chemistry and modern polymer chemistry. Students will learn about the colloidal state, electrified interfaces and electrochemical energy storage. They will also learn about the relationship between polymer synthesis, structure and properties. Students will develop an appreciation of the importance of polymer and surface chemistry in a range of applications. Students should be able to:<ul> <li> Understand the underlying principles of surface chemistry and the mechanisms of stabilization of colloidal systems.</li> <li> Understand the importance of electrified interfaces in surface stabilization and energy conversion</li> <li> Understand how synthesis and processing can be used to control both the chemical microstructure structure and physical form of polymers.</li> <li> Understand that polymers are normally encountered as mixtures of molecules of different sizes.</li> <li> Understand the distinction between the glass, rubber and crystalline states of polymers.</li> <li> Describe the applications of polymers and understand which polymers are suitable for which applications and why.</li></ul> <ul> <li>  Explain the basis of chemical bonding of atoms and molecules to solid surfaces</li> <li>  Describe the thermodynamics and kinetics of gas/surface interactions</li> <li>  Understand the basis of surface tension and surface pressure</li> <li>  Explain the mechanisms of stabilization of colloidal systems.</li> <li>  Understand the importance of electrified interfaces in surface stabilization and energy conversion</li> <li>  Understand the distinction between the glass, rubber and crystalline states of polymers.</li> <li>  Understand that polymers are normally encountered as mixtures of molecules of different sizes.</li> <li>  Describe some applications of polymers and understand which polymers are suitable for which applications and why.</li></ul> ·         Skills developed in this module include: analytical skills, problem solving skills, numeracy and mathematical skills, and investigative (literature) skills. 1 Written exam 100% Scheduled examples classes/workshops to discuss problems; Online (Blackboard) support materials include frequently asked questions (FAQ), numerical examples and test exercises (formative assessments) that allow students to engage in problem-solving activities with the provision of answers and feedback CHEM30211 Core Chemistry 3 Pre-Requisite Compulsory CHEM20212 Core Physical Chemistry Pre-Requisite Compulsory N <ul> <li> R.J. Hunter, Introduction to Modern Colloid Science, 1993, OUP</li> <li> D.J Shaw, Introduction to Colloid and Surface Chemistry, 4th Edn., 1992, Butterworth-Heinemann</li> <li> Girault, H.H. Analytical and Physical Electrochemistry, Marcel Dekker</li> <li> M.P. Stevens, Polymer Chemistry An Introduction, 3rd Edn., 1999, OUP.</li> <li> J M G Cowie, Polymers: Chemistry and Physics of Modern Materials, Blackie.</li> <li> R.J. Young and P.A. Lovell, Introduction to Polymers, 2012, Chapman and Hall.</li></ul>Further references will be given to more advanced material. Assessment written exam 2.5 Lectures 22 Practical classes & workshops 2 Tutorials 3 0 70.5