Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Principles and applications of emerging techniques in analytical chemistry.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will provide an in-depth introduction to a series of advanced analytical chemistry techniques. You will be introduced to the role of engineered nanomaterials across many sectors of our economy. Discussions will focus on techniques that are being developed and utilized to study engineered nanomaterials. These techniques will include analyses as they pertain to the study of single particles (e.g., quantum dots, halide perovskites, single proteins), assemblies of particles (e.g., nanocatalysts, battery materials), and functional nanomaterials (e.g., nanosheets, zeolites, MXenes).

Have you ever wanted to learn more about engineered nanomaterials? Have you ever wanted to know more about the tools and techniques that enable the analysis of engineered nanomaterials and related materials? Or have you faced challenges in selecting an appropriate technique for the analysis of your materials? Are you interested in knowing how to tell the purity of the materials you are synthesizing? Or are you faced with the challenge of knowing whether your modification of nanoscale materials was successful? Or are you interested in learning additional techniques that are available to enable research at the forefront of nanoscience? This class is for you!

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Mode of Instruction:

4 lecture hours/week
Lecture: In-person at Burnaby Campus


Lecture Topics:

1. Introduction
   1. Scales of matter
   2. Introduction to engineered nanomaterials
   3. Challenges of materials analysis at the nanoscale
2. Visualizing nanomaterials
   1. Electron microscopy methods
   2. Determination of composition, crystallinity
   3. Pushing the limits of resolution
3. High throughput single particle analyses
   1. Overview of techniques available
   2. Quantitative analyses
   3. Distinguishing chemical species at the single particle level
4. Advanced X-ray spectroscopy techniques
   1. Understanding chemical bonding environment(s)
   2. Distinguishing surface states from core species
   3. Enabling operando measurements
5. Introduction to the challenges of surface analyses
   1. Quantifying surface modifications
   2. Assessing the uniformity of surface treatments
6. Scanning probe techniques
   1. Overview of techniques enabled by scanning probe methods
   2. Molecular scale resolution
   3. High spatial resolution spectroscopy
7. Practical training on data acquisition and analysis
   1. Analysis of an unknown sample
   2. Work-up of data through a quantitative treatment of peak analysis
8. Case study of select classes of nanomaterials
   1. Focused studies on, for example, electrocatalysts, magnetic nanomaterials, plasmonic nanomaterials
   2. Practical considerations for sample preparation
9. The future of nanomaterials analysis

 

Assignments:

There will be an opportunity for hands-on acquisition and practical training in the work-up of data for the analysis of an unknown material. All students will also be required to select a focused area of study related to the analysis of engineered nanomaterials from a list of topics (or to suggest their own topic) with approval from Prof. Gates. Each student will prepare a written review with an emphasis on key, enabling technologies that have served as pivotal steps forward in advancing materials analysis. Each student will also present an overview of their report to the class. All material presented will be subject to inclusion in the final exam.

Grading

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Laboratory notebook, pen, USB for file transfer.

REQUIRED READING:

RECOMMENDED READING:

REQUIRED READING NOTES: