ANALYSIS AND SYNTHESIS TECHNIQUES FOR FUNCTIONAL SURFACES AND NANOSTRUCTURES

The course is intended for PhD students in Engineering Physics and Materials Science and is offered in the first semester. It provides insight into the controlled synthesis and advanced characterization of nanomaterials. Various classes of quantum-confined systems (0D, 1D, and 2D) are considered, together with common synthesis approaches such as wet chemical methods, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Emphasis is placed on the relationship between synthesis conditions and material properties. Characterization techniques addressing crystal structure, chemical composition, electronic states, morphology, and phase are discussed, with reference to functional and energy-related applications.

The aim of course is to give a basic description of five techniques of synthesis/analysis of the surfaces, together with some applications: Chemical vapor deposition, Atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES, EXAFS), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) alias Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA), Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES). Physical and chemical analysis of surfaces is fundamental for understanding how materials interact with the surrounding. Surface analytical techniques provide the tools to explore the surface and subsurface physics and chemistry of solid materials. The main goal of the course is to get the students to rightly choose a surface characterization technique depending on the scientific questions they must give answer.
The specific objective of the second part of the course is the correct application of the techniques presented in the first part to a specific field in nanotechnology, i.e. the energy conversion. The students are supposed to be able to correlate the structural, morphological and compositional properties to the functional features of the different nanostructures.

The basic knowledge of solid state physics, material science, physical chemistry and inorganic chemistry are the prerequisite to attend the course

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of materials synthesis and surface analysis, with a focus on understanding both the preparation and characterization of advanced materials. Students will learn the underlying concepts of commonly used synthesis techniques, including wet chemical methods (e.g., hydrothermal and sol-gel processes), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), and related approaches, along with their advantages, limitations, and typical applications.
In parallel, the course covers key surface and structural characterization techniques, emphasizing the type of physical and chemical information each method provides, as well as the essential instrumentation involved. These concepts will be illustrated through practical examples involving a wide range of materials.
The second part of the course focuses on the role of nanomaterials in energy harvesting and conversion technologies. Various classes of nanomaterials will be explored in relation to critical processes such as light absorption, exciton generation and dissociation, charge transport, and charge collection. Representative systems include quantum dots, semiconducting nanowires, plasmonic materials, and hierarchical nanostructures.
Throughout the course, strong connections will be made between synthesis, characterization, and application. Concepts introduced in the first part will be reinforced through detailed examples in the second part, highlighting how controlled synthesis and advanced characterization enable the design of efficient energy materials.

All needed materials will be provided in class.

Il metodo di valutazione si basa su presentazioni/esame orale
Il metodo di valutazione si basa su presentazioni/esame orale

oral

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

oral exam – Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts related to the characterization and analysis of functional surface nanostructures.

The course will be conducted in the class rooms. Students class activity is highly encouraged. At least 80% of attendance is required to pass the course.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Climate change and energy" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development