Surface Properties M2

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.

The overall objective of this course is to provide students with sufficient knowledge and skills to be able to:

1) understand and correctly apply the concept of an interface,

2) understand the main mechanisms governing the behavior of powdered solids dispersed in gaseous and liquid media,

3) choose an appropriate characterization method or analysis to characterize the surface properties of a given solid material,

4) Promote active student engagement in classroom activities through tutorials, flipped classrooms, and critical analysis of research papers.

Basic knowledge of fundamental concepts in chemistry, physics, and solid-state science (bachelor's degree program)

Students are evaluated through continuous assessment (oral presentations, active participation in tutorials and flipped classes, homework assignments) in conjunction with exams at the end of the teaching period. More specifically:

Parts 1 and 2: 25% continuous assessment + 75% final exam

Part 2: 50% continuous assessment + 50% homework assignment at the end of the teaching period.

Part 1: Lectures: 8.5 hours, Tutorials: 5 hours

An introductory section, taught through lectures interspersed with open discussions, is offered first to help students understand the main principles governing the behavior of solids in heterogeneous systems. The concept of surface energy of colloidal-sized particles, together with the various molecular and macroscopic interactions involved (i.e., interparticle van der Waals forces, ionic double-layer interactions, and DLVO theory), forms the basis for explaining the stability of solid dispersions in gaseous and liquid media, as well as interfacial phenomena (gas adsorption, immersion, wetting, and adsorption from solution) in systems containing divided and porous solids. Particulate diffusion and electrophoresis, as well as light scattering by solid particles, are also discussed here. Knowledge of interfacial mechanisms is then placed on a more systematic foundation to describe the use of probing molecules and ions to determine the surface properties of divided and porous materials. Specific surface area and porosity, surface acidity and basicity, and surface hydrophobic and hydrophilic character are the main characteristics to be considered, primarily through the analysis of real examples of materials studied experimentally or through a critical analysis of research papers. This teaching subunit takes the form of integrated courses and tutorials.

Part 2: Lecture: 8.5, Lab: 3 hours

This second part focuses more on surface-specific techniques and surface analysis:

• Definition of interfaces, scales, and resolutions.
• Morphological surface analysis (electron microscopy: SEM, TEM, EBSD; near-field microscopy: AFM, STM, SNOM)
• Chemical Analysis (AES Spectroscopy, XPS, SIMS, HREELS)
• In situ structural and functional analysis (surface tension, ATR, SERS, quartz microbalance (QCM), ellipsometry, large-scale instruments such as GiSAXS and SEXAFS)

The competencies expected for this Part 2 are a detailed understanding of surface analysis techniques: 1) to be able to describe and schematize the device, 2) to identify the benefits and challenges of the technology based on the sample type, 3) to understand the resolution and sensitivity of each technique, and 4) to be able to understand a publication that presents a technical study and explain its results.

The flipped classroom approach is interesting because it allows students to gain an understanding of new material, share that knowledge with the group, and engage in a constructive exchange through questions and answers with the group.

Administrative contact(s):

Master's in Chemistry Office

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