Materials Science Utilizing Large-Scale Facilities – MaMaSELF (MAT P3)

This lecture, delivered entirely in English, provides a basic introduction to crystallography and electron diffraction for beginners. X-ray diffraction is an important characterization technique in modern chemistry; the majority of crystalline structures in inorganic and organic solids have been determined using this method. It is therefore important for all students to understand its basic concepts and instrumentation. The course explains the principles of X-ray diffraction, along with the geometry and symmetry of X-ray patterns. In addition to the principles of interaction between X-rays and matter, it covers how to obtain quantitative intensities for single-crystal and powder diffraction patterns. It naturally includes an understanding of lattice planes and the concept of the reciprocal lattice, along with the construction of the Ewald sphere. Furthermore, it provides a basic understanding of the Fourier transform relationship between the crystalline structure and the diffracted intensities, as well as the concept of the reciprocal lattice.

Electron diffraction is a technique that complements X-ray diffraction and provides information on the symmetry and geometry of the materials under study. In this course, we will therefore explore the methods for obtaining electron diffraction patterns and interpreting them. We will be able to determine the lattice parameters, the reflection conditions, and the possible space groups.

This lecture also serves as an introduction to the lecture "Electron Microscopy and Crystallography II"

CM: 14

TD: 6

View the full page

This module is designed to provide basic knowledge of the thermodynamics of defects. Understanding the basic concepts of defects in stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric solids is essential for better understanding and designing materials for ionic and electronic conductivity, with particular relevance to energy materials. The lecture introduces and discusses the nature of point defects that disrupt the perfect geometry of ideal crystal structures:

• Introduction to point defects (missing or misplaced atoms, ions, or electrons)
• Discussion of Thermodynamic Concepts Related to Order-Disorder Phenomena in Solid Solutions
• Understanding Brouwer diagrams for oxides in order to highlight the role of the surrounding atmosphere on defect equilibrium at high temperatures.
• This study investigates the diffusion pathways and energies of ions and electrons—a major consequence of point defects—that give rise to electrical transport in ionic conductors.
• This paper describes experimental investigations into the measurement of ionic conductivity as a function of temperature. The method of impedance spectroscopy measurements is discussed.
• Presentation of the Kröger-Vink Notation for Defects
• Mott-Hubbard insulators

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 24

TD: 12

View the full page

This module will be divided into three parts:

- General introduction: main classes of materials, relationship between properties and structure of materials

- Construction and interpretation of phase diagrams: binary (e.g., for metallic and ceramic alloys)

- Construction and interpretation of ternary phase diagrams: variance, ternary eutectic definitions, first- and second-order peritectics, isothermal section, study of alloy cooling.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 5:00 p.m.

TD: 8:00 a.m.

View the full page

This course provides comprehensive knowledge and tools related to the surface properties and interfacial behavior of crystalline and amorphous solids in various media. It consists of two parts: (1) Fundamentals of Colloid and Surface Science, and (2) Divided and Porous Solids

(2) Surface characterization techniques and surface analysis

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 5:00 p.m .

TD: 8 a.m.

View the full page

The structural characterization of materials is a mandatory prerequisite for developing functional materials and an absolute necessity for materials science researchers and engineers. To interpret diffraction patterns, structures, microstructures, and so on, a detailed understanding of crystallography, structural analysis, and the instruments used is essential. This knowledge is built from the ground up, gradually leading to an understanding of how to characterize materials using both standard and sophisticated diffraction methods. The course also includes laboratory work on powder and single-crystal diffractometers, enabling students to acquire the skills needed to correctly use and interpret diffraction data. The^{first-semester} portion of the course focuses primarily on X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy, while the crystallography component continues in the^second semester with topics such as symmetry, structure determination, and structure refinement, as well as neutron scattering and magnetic structure analysis.

This lecture consists of two parts:

(1): Crystallography: Simple inorganic structures: basics & concepts, Fractional atomic coordinates and projections, Bravais lattices, Crystal systems, Lattice points, lines, and planes, Miller indices, Zone equation, Wulff net, orienting matrix, Crystal growth and morphology, X-ray sources, interaction of X-rays, electrons, and neutrons with matter, scattering lengths, structure factor, systematic extinctions, Debye-Waller factor, principles of scattering, reciprocal lattice, concept of the Ewald sphere, Laue diffraction, Debye-Scherrer camera, powder diffractometers, single-crystal diffractometers, monochromators, detectors, resolution, stereographic projection, peak intensities, reflection profile broadening, and grain size,

(2): Electron microscopy:

In this section, we will focus on electron microscopy through flipped classroom sessions. We will discuss the following topics: electron sources, lenses and aberrations, sample preparation, electron diffraction, structural and chemical analysis, and imaging techniques.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 34

TD: 18

View the full page

This course consists of a series of lectures on the synthesis and characterization of thin films for technological applications or academic research. It is supplemented by an introduction to synthesis techniques for compounds that are stabilized under high pressure or are only available under special conditions.

1. Physics of Low-Dimensional Systems
2. Quantum confinement
3. Quantum Wells, 1D Quantum Wires, 0D Quantum Dots
4. Electron Confinement and the Density of States (DoS) Formalism
5. Epitaxial films
6. Microstructure
7. Dislocations and Grain Boundaries
8. Coatings and Applications
9. Diffusion barriers
10. Photo-optical devices
11. Vacuum Technology
12. High-pressure synthesis

Synthesis of Compounds with Unusual Valence and Coordination States

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 17

TD: 8

View the full page

Thermodynamic and kinetic principles for understanding the optimal conditions for catalytic reactions and the requirements for catalyst activity and accessibility.

Methods for the preparation of porous and dispersed catalysts using nucleation-growth, aggregation, and templating mechanisms.

Correlations between the structural properties and activity of heterogeneous catalysts.

Examples of the application of heterogeneous catalysts in refining and industrial chemistry processes.   

Next, basic concepts of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis are explored

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 5:00 p.m .

TD: 8 a.m.

View the full page

Wave function of an excited electron trapped in a cubic box: a model for a quantum dot state

- Introduction to basic concepts in quantum physics and their relationship to chemistry, modern materials science, and the engineering of nanodevices.
- To achieve the goals of this course, a mathematically rigorous approach is combined with a physical interpretation of the concepts, and the application of the most important quantum mechanical models to electronic and magnetic spectroscopies and chemistry is illustrated.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM (Readings):24 hours

            TD (Tutorials): 12 hours

View the full page

This course unit is designed to provide an introduction to the electronic properties of bulk and/or nanomaterials in the solid state, the magnetic properties of transition metal oxides, and so on. This unit is taught by various guest lecturers from outside UM, and the topics may vary depending on the respective areas of expertise of the instructors.

Students should become familiar not only with the electronic properties and ordering of materials, but also with ionic and mixed electronic-ionic conductors, as well as materials for spintronics. Another aspect here concerns their specific characterization using neutron/synchrotron diffraction, as well as complementary macroscopic characterization methods for magnetism, permeability, etc.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 30 hours

TD: 3:00 p.m .

View the full page

This module is dedicated to an internship lasting at least 3 months in a research laboratory or an industrial setting.

View the full page

Preparation for the 3-month research internship, including exploring the state of the art of the project, establishing optimal experimental conditions, and presenting the work to a panel.

View the full page

This course provides a comprehensive description of the structural, electronic, and vibrational properties of molecules, along with a quantum treatment of these properties in computer simulations.

At the same time, the structural and electronic properties of solids are examined, with an emphasis on the properties of metals and semiconductors.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 42H

            TD: 9:00 p.m.

View the full page

This lecture is a continuation of the^{first-semester} crystallography course and will provide an advanced overview of structural characterization and structure refinement. It covers classical X-ray laboratory data collection and analysis, supplemented by synchrotron and neutron diffraction data analysis (powder and single crystal). The goal is to become familiar with the general principles of structure analysis, taking advantage of the complementary nature of X-ray and neutron diffraction. The course provides detailed knowledge on how to understand and analyze phase transitions and how to address the corresponding changes in the metric, associated data, and structural transformations.

This lecture covers the following topics:

• Symmetry and space groups
• Introduction to Structure Refinement (Single-Crystal and Powder Methods)
• Neutron and synchrotron facilities
• Magnetic Structures Using Neutron Diffraction
• Structure determination from single crystals (experiment and theory)
• Structure Determination from Powder Diffraction Data (Experiment and Theory)
• Applications of Fourier series to structure determination and refinement: from the Patterson method to difference Fourier analysis
• Crystal twinning,
• Phase Transitions
• Anomalous scattering and determination of absolute structure

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 30

TD: 15

View the full page

The structural characterization of materials is a mandatory prerequisite for developing functional materials and an absolute necessity for materials science researchers and engineers. To interpret diffraction patterns, structures, microstructures, and so on, a detailed understanding of crystallography, structural analysis, and the instruments used is essential. This knowledge is built from the ground up, gradually leading to an understanding of how to characterize materials using both standard and sophisticated diffraction methods. The course also includes laboratory work on powder and single-crystal diffractometers, enabling students to acquire the skills needed to correctly use and interpret diffraction data. The^{first-semester} portion of the course focuses primarily on X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy, while the crystallography component continues in the^second semester with topics such as symmetry, structure determination, and structure refinement, as well as neutron scattering and magnetic structure analysis.

This lecture consists of two parts:

(1): Crystallography:

This section is primarily devoted to familiarizing students with structural analysis and its applications. Following a brief introduction to the concept of the reciprocal lattice and the use of space groups in crystallography, the lecture focuses on structural analysis using diffraction methods, including powder and single-crystal X-ray and neutron scattering. This involves gaining an understanding of related techniques—such as the use of powder and single-crystal diffractometers—as well as the techniques and software currently used for structure refinement. The aim of the course is to provide a basic understanding of the principles behind the software, rather than simply using the programs blindly. Students will also collect single-crystal diffraction data using a high-performance 4-cycle diffractometer equipped with a 2D area detector, as well as perform magnetic structure analysis using neutron diffraction methods.

Simple inorganic structures: Space groups, X-ray, neutron, and synchrotron sources, interaction of X-rays, electrons, and neutrons with matter, reciprocal lattice, concept of the Ewald sphere, powder diffractometers, single-crystal diffractometers, orienting matrix, Patterson method, structure refinement from powder or single-crystal data, magnetic structure analysis, magnetic space groups,

(2): Electron microscopy:

In this section, we will focus on electron microscopy through flipped classroom sessions. We will discuss the following topics: electron sources, lenses and aberrations, sample preparation, electron diffraction, structural and chemical analysis, and imaging techniques.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 33 hours

Time: 6:00 p.m.

View the full page

This course provides comprehensive knowledge and tools related to the surface properties and interfacial behavior of crystalline and amorphous solids in various media. It consists of two parts: (1) Fundamentals of Colloid and Surface Science, and (2) Divided and Porous Solids

(2) Surface characterization techniques and surface analysis

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 5:00 p.m .

            TD: 8 a.m.

View the full page

View the full page

The objective is to provide second-year master’s students with a solid introduction to the use of “large-scale facilities” for the study and characterization of materials. In particular, we focus on the use of neutron scattering and third-generation synchrotron sources for the study of materials. Indeed, to date, the development and optimization of materials often require sophisticated methods, some of which are accessible only at large-scale facilities. This presents a major challenge for both basic and applied research. The courses, which take place over two consecutive weeks, provide basic instruction on the production of neutrons and synchrotron radiation, as well as their specific applications and how they complement each other. The course content is as follows:

- Neutron and synchrotron sources

- Interaction of neutrons and synchrotron radiation with matter

- Diffraction methods and instrumentation for neutron and X-ray (synchrotron) scattering

- Spectroscopy: inelastic neutron scattering and X-ray absorption spectroscopy

- Magnetic neutron scattering

- Presentation of neutron and synchrotron beamlines

View the full page

The purpose of this module is to prepare for the master's thesis project, which will last six months during S4.

This thesis project involves the use of large-scale facilities (preparation and securing of beam time for neutron or synchrotron radiation). You will need to review the current state of the art in this area and establish optimal experimental conditions (optimization of experiments on light lines or with neutrons).

This module will help develop "cross-disciplinary" skills, such as the development and organization of a scientific project (collaboration between universities and various EU research centers)

as well as communication skills.

View the full page

View the full page

Thermodynamic and kinetic principles for understanding the optimal conditions for catalytic reactions and the requirements for catalyst activity and accessibility.

Methods for the preparation of porous and dispersed catalysts using nucleation-growth, aggregation, and templating mechanisms.

Correlations between the structural properties and activity of heterogeneous catalysts.

Examples of the application of heterogeneous catalysts in refining and industrial chemistry processes.   

Next, basic concepts of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis are explored

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 5:00 p.m .

TD: 8 a.m.

View the full page

The^fourth semester of the Master’s program is entirely devoted to the master’s thesis project in Materials Science, which lasts at least five months. Students are assigned a research topic and work within a research team to address a scientific problem. This allows them to apply the skills they have acquired and learn new scientific skills in order to identify the problem and develop a potential solution. The topic is analyzed and described in the written master’s thesis and presented orally before a jury. This should enable the candidate to demonstrate his ability to address a scientific problem and present it in an analytical manner.

View the full page