Physical Chemistry of Disperse Systems and of Interfaces
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
The goal of the course is to provide a general frame-work of the different physico-chemical aspects of surfaces and interfaces also with reference to the numerous experimental applications of these systems.
Expected learning outcomes
The student becomes familiar with the general principles ruling the interfacial reactivity in the different systems. He further learns by which kind of experimental measurements he might obtain a complete characterization of such systems, also on the grounds of experiments performed personally in the laboratory.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course program is coherent with the learning objectives and expected learning outcomes:
· Introduction to interfaces and colloids: their definition and examples. Thermodynamics of interfaces.
· Adsorption: Concept of adsorption and relative Gibbs equation. Physisorption and chemisorption and their distinction via adsorption enthalpy determination. Adsorption isotherms, their experimental determination and examples related to pollutant removal by adsorbents.
· Fluid interfaces. Surface tension and its experimental determination. Capillarity and the Laplace and Kelvin equations. Monolayers at fluid interfaces and examples of their application (e.g., Langmuir-Blodgett films).
· The solid-liquid interface. Characteristics of solid surfaces. Wetting, adhesion and contact angle measurements. Strategies to tailor wetting and adhesion properties: examples and applications. The surface free energy of solids: models and experimental determination.
· The solid-gas interface. Physisorption and the BET theory. Experimental methods for the determination of the surface area of solids with exercises. Adsorption on porous solids and experimental methods for the determination of porosity.
· Interfacial electrification phenomena: origin of electrification phenomena at the interface. Electrical double layer and its models. Behavior of metallic and reversible interfaces with examples. Point of zero charge (with examples) and its experimental determination. Experimental determination of colloidal particle size by light scattering techniques. Stability of a colloidal dispersion with applications.
· Introduction to interfaces and colloids: their definition and examples. Thermodynamics of interfaces.
· Adsorption: Concept of adsorption and relative Gibbs equation. Physisorption and chemisorption and their distinction via adsorption enthalpy determination. Adsorption isotherms, their experimental determination and examples related to pollutant removal by adsorbents.
· Fluid interfaces. Surface tension and its experimental determination. Capillarity and the Laplace and Kelvin equations. Monolayers at fluid interfaces and examples of their application (e.g., Langmuir-Blodgett films).
· The solid-liquid interface. Characteristics of solid surfaces. Wetting, adhesion and contact angle measurements. Strategies to tailor wetting and adhesion properties: examples and applications. The surface free energy of solids: models and experimental determination.
· The solid-gas interface. Physisorption and the BET theory. Experimental methods for the determination of the surface area of solids with exercises. Adsorption on porous solids and experimental methods for the determination of porosity.
· Interfacial electrification phenomena: origin of electrification phenomena at the interface. Electrical double layer and its models. Behavior of metallic and reversible interfaces with examples. Point of zero charge (with examples) and its experimental determination. Experimental determination of colloidal particle size by light scattering techniques. Stability of a colloidal dispersion with applications.
Prerequisites for admission
The student should recall some principles of thermodynamics (equation of state of ideal gases, definitions of enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy, equilibrium constant and chemical potential), of kinetics (concept of rate constant and of activation energy) and of electrochemistry (concept of electric potential, charge and dielectric constant).
Teaching methods
Theoretical lessons and exercises.
Teaching Resources
- Hans-Jürgen Butt, Karlheinz Graf, Michael Kappl, Physics and Chemistry of Interfaces, Wiley, 2003
- K. S. Birdi, Surface and Colloid Chemistry. Principles and Applications, CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group, 2010.
- K. S. Birdi, Surface and Colloid Chemistry. Principles and Applications, CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group, 2010.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The assessment method is an oral examination. The student is first asked to prepare a short presentation regarding a literature paper chosen in agreement with the lecturer. After the presentation, the student answers few questions aimed at assessing the general understanding of the principles underlying the behavior of surfaces and interfaces discussed during classes.
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