Solutions, Colloids, Interfaces

This course unit provides students with foundational knowledge and cross-disciplinary skills in the field of colloids and interfaces, which are common to the various tracks within the Master’s in Chemistry program (Materials Chemistry, Separation Chemistry, Materials and Processes, ICAP Cosmetic Engineering, and Biomolecular Chemistry). It is also offered to international students enrolled in the SFRI program at the University of Montpellier, where instruction is conducted in English. An introductory presentation covering basic notions and concepts will help students 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. Next, an interdisciplinary practical course based on the flipped classroom model will be offered to help students build and deepen their knowledge through individual and group analysis of the various applications of colloidal and interfacial phenomena and systems.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 7

TD: 13

1) Understand the basic concepts and principles related to multicomponent systems based on the size of dissolved or dispersed substances;

2) Be able to identify the main mechanisms and factors governing the formation and stabilization of colloidal dispersions and organized supramolecular systems of amphiphiles and polymers in aqueous solution;

3) Be able 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—principal thermodynamic variables (Level L) 

Basic knowledge of the chemistry and electrochemistry of solutions (L level) 

Continuous Assessment (100%)

1) Overview of Dispersed Systems and Interfacial Mechanisms (7 H CM):

basic notions and concepts related to multicomponent 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); understanding of colloidal stability (surface energy and interfacial tension, work of division—calculation examples, main types of interactions in colloidal systems, Brownian motion, metastability, adsorption from solutions, ionic double layer, DLVO model, stability due to electrostatic repulsions 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 flow) 

Supporting materials available online(entirely in English): (1) a description of the prerequisites assumed to be known and a list of resources to consult for a refresher, (2) a PowerPoint presentation of the course, (3) a multiple-choice self-assessment quiz, (4) videos providing detailed explanations of the answers to the multiple-choice questions

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

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

Module 2: Water Purification Using Ultrafiltration and Reverse Osmosis Processes

Module 3: Formulation of Cosmetic Emulsions and Creams + Introduction to Rheology

Block 4: Synthesis of Mineral Oxides Using the Sol-Gel Process + Sintering

Unit 5: Suspension and Emulsion Polymerization + Substitution Reactions in a Micellar Medium

Module 6: Principles of Drug Delivery Using Liposomes, Emulsions, and Porous (Nano)Particles

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

Administrative contact(s):

Master's in Chemistry Office

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