Solutions, colloids, interfaces

This course unit enables students to acquire basic knowledge and cross-disciplinary skills in the field of colloids and interfaces, which are common to the various tracks of the Master's degree in Chemistry (Materials Chemistry, Separative Chemistry, Materials and Processes, ICAP Cosmetics Engineering, Biomolecular Chemistry). It is also offered to international students enrolled in the SFRI program at the University of Montpellier, where courses are taught in English. An introductory presentation on basic notions and concepts will enable students to discover and better understand the main physicochemical properties of colloidal dispersions, associative colloids, and macromolecular solutions, as well as the parameters and phenomena governing stability in colloidal dispersions and mixed solution-colloid systems. This will be followed by interdisciplinary practical teaching based on the flipped classroom principle to help students build and deepen their knowledge through individual and collective analysis of the various applications of colloidal and interfacial phenomena and systems.

Hourly volumes:

CM: 7

TD: 13

1) Understand the basic concepts and notions related to multi-component systems based on the size of dissolved or dispersed substances;

2) Know how to determine the main mechanisms and factors governing the formulation and stabilization of colloidal dispersions, organized supramolecular systems of amphiphiles and polymers in aqueous solution;

3) Know how to identify the colloidal and interfacial mechanisms involved in practical applications.

Knowledge of the structure and properties of organic and inorganic molecules and ions, as well as intermolecular interactions; basic knowledge of classical thermodynamics—main thermodynamic quantities (level L) 

Basic knowledge of chemistry and electrochemistry of solutions (high school level) 

Continuous Monitoring (100%)

1) General information on dispersed systems and interfacial mechanisms (7 hours of lectures):

basic notions and concepts relating to multi-component systems based on the size of dissolved or dispersed substances (molecular dispersion vs. colloidal dispersion, colloidal size, colloidal emulsions and suspensions, organized supramolecular systems of amphiphiles and polymers in aqueous solution, examples of colloids in speciation diagrams); control of colloidal stability (surface energy and interfacial tension, work of division of matter - calculation examples, main types of interaction in colloidal systems, Brownian motion, metastability, adsorption from solutions, ionic double layer, DLVO model, stability through electrostatic repulsion and steric stability, flocculation, coagulation, coalescence, Ostwald ripening, micellar solubilization); properties of colloidal systems (Tyndall effect, osmotic pressure, electrophoresis, hydrophilic-lipophilic balance, viscosity, and multiphase flows). 

Supporting documents available online(entirely in English): (1) description of prerequisites assumed to be known and list of documents to consult for refresher training, (2) PowerPoint presentation of the course, (3) self-assessment multiple-choice questions, (4) videos with detailed corrections of the multiple-choice questions.

2) Examples of applications of colloidal mechanisms and systems (13 hours of flipped classroom teaching— the level of detail varies depending on the specific course):

Block 1: Speciation diagrams of selected elements in aqueous solution in the presence of colloids (hydroxides, silicates)

Block 2: Water purification using ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis processes

Block 3: Formulation of cosmetic emulsions/creams + introduction to rheology

Block 4: Production of mineral oxides using the sol-gel process + sintering

Block 5: Suspension and emulsion polymerization + substitution reactions in micellar media

Block 6: Principles of drug delivery using liposomes, emulsions, and porous (nano)particles

Supporting documents available online(entirely in English): list of skills to be acquired, selection of popular science publications and scientific articles

Administrative contact(s):

Master's Program in Chemistry Secretariat

https://master-chimie.edu.umontpellier.fr/