Functional Materials & Devices

MATS31501 Functional Materials & Devices 10 Semester 1 Undergraduate Level 6 Andrey Kretinin Unit coordinator Department of Materials 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Last part of a Bachelors ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 5.0 Functional materials are at the heart of a wide range of consumer and industrial electronic systems, including communications, sensors, control and energy management. The microstructural and compositional variation in these materials has a dramatic impact on their electrical and mechanical properties.  Functional materials are at the heart of a wide range of consumer and industrial electronic systems, including communications, sensors, control and energy management. The microstructural and compositional variation in these materials has a dramatic impact on their electrical and mechanical properties. The unit addresses microstructure control of properties (from the atomic scale to the grain scale) in materials intended for applications such as energy generation and conversion, electromechanical transducers, electrical safety systems and gas sensors.Ferroelectric Ceramics: Classification of ferroelectrics: first and second order, relaxors. Electrostriction and piezoelectricity. Dielectric and piezoelectric nonlinearity. Temperature, electric field and stress-induced phase transformations in polycrystalline ferroelectrics. Morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) solid solution systems. Piezoelectrics for electromechanical transducers and energy conversion: lead-free and high-temperature ferroelectric systems, ceramic-polymer composite materials.Semiconducting Ceramics: Voltage-dependent resistors (varistors), temperature-sensitive resistors (thermistors); processing-structure-property relationships. Classification of gas sensors. Structure-property relationships in oxide gas sensors.Energy generation and conversion: Solid oxide fuel cells, mixed electronic/ionic conductors. The course unit aims to:<ul><li>Explain the principles underlying the operation of oxide-based functional ceramics in the form of bulk, thin-film, particulate and composite materials;</li><li>Discuss the relationships between chemical composition, crystal structure, microstructure and functional properties;</li><li>Identify the material characteristics required for a variety of applications and environments.</li><li>Devise strategies to optimise the performance of functional ceramics. Correlate different types of functional properties with the underlying mechanisms and processing methods.</li></ul> A greater depth of the learning outcomes will be covered in the following sections: <ul> <li> Knowledge and understanding</li> <li> Intellectual skills</li> <li> Practical skills</li> <li> Transferable skills and personal qualities</li> </ul> <ul><li>K1: Demonstrate an understanding of the composition-structure-property relationships in polycrystalline ferroelectrics.</li><li>K2: Describe the main groups of conventional piezoelectric ceramics; identify emerging single-phase and composite materials and their characteristic properties.</li><li> K3: Explain how structural phase transformations in ferroelectrics can be exploited in the development of new and improved materials.</li><li>K4: Discuss principles of operation of solid oxide fuel cells and ceramic sensors (Thermistors, Varistors and Gas sensors). In this context, describe the effect of chemical composition, crystal structure and microstructure on their functional properties.</li><li>K5: Apply the above knowledge of fuel cells and ceramic sensors to estimate their basic operational parameters.</li><li>K6: Evaluate factors limiting the performance of a particular fuel cell or ceramic sensor and suggest measures of performance optimisation.</li></ul> <ul><li>I1: Devise strategies to optimise the performance of functional ceramics with respect to specific applications.</li><li>I2: Correlate different types of functional properties with the underlying mechanisms and processing methods.</li></ul> <ul><li>T1: Analytical capability</li><li>T2: Problem-solving skills</li></ul> This unit is delivered using a blended learning approach, which integrates technology and digital media with traditional classroom activities. A variety of learning and teaching processes will be used including: lectures, discussions, group activities and independent study. Canvas will be used to present online study materials, including videos, lecture notes, guided reading, articles and other information. Canvas will also be used for the submission of assessments. 1 Written exam 70% 2 Written assignment (inc essay) 30% Written and verbal MATS15101 Physics of Materials Pre-Requisite Compulsory MATS16302 Functional Properties Pre-Requisite Compulsory MATS23602 Functional Behaviour Pre-Requisite Compulsory N The recommended reading for this unit can be found on the <a href="https://www.readinglists.manchester.ac.uk/leganto/public/44MAN_INST/lists/346880356840001631?auth=CAS">online unit reading list</a>. Lectures 20 Practical classes & workshops 6 Tutorials 8 0 66