CHEM 6090 - Nanomaterials: Chemistry and Physics

Spring. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: CHEM 3890/CHEM 3900 or equivalent. Open to: undergraduates who have taken the prerequisite courses or equivalents.

M. Hines.

This course will provide a foundational background in the science of nanoscale materials, a research field that has been extremely active for more than twenty years. Simplified models of quantum mechanics, band theory, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, and surface science will be presented. This theoretical background will be used to understand the structure and properties of inorganic materials, such as nanocrystals and nanowires, and organic materials, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and π-conjugated molecules. Previous exposure to quantum mechanics at the level of the Schrödinger equation will be assumed. The intended audience is first-year graduate students and upper-level undergraduate students in chemistry and related fields, including applied physics, physics, and materials/chemical/electrical/mechanical engineering.