Nanoparticle Physics

The course aims at providing an introduction to the physics of (nano)aggregates (metallicm quantum dots, and molecular) both theoretical, numerical and phenomenological approaches will be discussed. We will revise the peculiar thermodynamical, optical, and electronic properties of nanoaggreates. Thanks to them nanoaggregates are considered a new states of matter, and they are employed as the building-blocks of future, novel materials and future technological applications. The student will gain the capabilities to reading and understanding the state-of-the-art literature in the field.

At the end of the course, students are expected to have the following skills:
1) will gain a rational view of matter at the nanoscale, and why and how is changing our daily life
2) will be able to describe the different morphologies of nano-aggregates and their trend with size and chemical composition
3) will know how to use possible approaches (including numerical) to sample potential energy surfaces
4) will know the major aspects of the phenomenology of (nano) aggregates and its dependence on the morphology, composition, and size of the system
5) will be able to discuss how optical properties depend on the morphology, composition, and size of the (nano)aggreagtes
6) will be able to discuss how catalytic properties depend on the morphology, composition, and size of the (nano)aggreagtes