NANOTECNOLOGIE PER L'ENERGIA E L'AMBIENTE

The course introduces the fundamental principles of nanoscience and nanotechnology, with a focus on the relationships between size, structure, chemical-physical properties, and functionality of nanomaterials. The main approaches to the synthesis and design of low-dimensional materials will be illustrated, including top-down and bottom-up methods, surface functionalization strategies, and property control through compositional, morphological, and interface engineering.

The course also provides an overview of the main nanomaterial characterization techniques, with particular emphasis on spectroscopic, microscopic, and surface analysis methodologies. Special emphasis will be placed on the applications of nanotechnology in the energy and environmental sectors, such as energy conversion and storage, photocatalysis, sensing, water treatment, and sustainable technologies.

- Knowledge and Understanding

Students will acquire knowledge of the fundamental concepts of nanoscience, size-dependent phenomena, and the main nanostructured materials used in technology.

- Ability to apply knowledge and understanding

The student will be able to interpret experimental data relating to the characterization of nanomaterials and identify the properties relevant to specific technological applications.

- Independent judgment

The student will be able to compare different synthesis and characterization strategies, evaluating their advantages and limitations in relation to the final application of the nanomaterial.

- Communication skills

The student will acquire the technical and scientific language necessary to describe nanostructured materials, preparation methods, and technological applications.

- Learning skills

The student will develop the conceptual tools to independently explore emerging topics in the field of nanotechnology.

Information for students with disabilities and/or learning disabilities

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with applicable laws, interested students may request a personal interview to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on their educational objectives and specific needs.

• Lectures with multimedia support.

• Discussion of case studies from recent scientific literature.

• Analysis of industrial application examples.

• Possible exercises dedicated to the interpretation of experimental characterization data.

The course assumes basic knowledge acquired in General and Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry. In particular, students will be familiar with the principles of chemical bonding, the electronic structure of matter, thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics, as well as the fundamentals of material properties and the main chemical-physical characterization techniques.

Mandatory

Module 1 – Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

• Definition of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

• Effects of size reduction: surface area/volume ratio, quantum confinement, optical and electronic properties.

• Differences between bulk, microstructured, and nanostructured materials.

• Classification of nanomaterials.

Module 2 – Synthesis and Fabrication of Nanomaterials

Top-Down Approaches

• Lithography and Patterning Techniques.

• Etching and Nanostructuring Processes.

• Applications in Micro- and Nanoelectronics.

Bottom-up approaches

• Molecular self-assembly.

• Chemical and physical vapor deposition.

• Controlled growth of thin films and nanostructures.

Surface modification

• Chemical functionalization of surfaces.

• Surface-molecule interactions.

• Hybrid organic-inorganic materials.

Module 3 – Chemical and physical properties of nanomaterials

• Electronic properties.

• Optical properties.

• Catalytic properties.

• Mechanical and thermal properties.

Module 4 – Nanomaterial characterization techniques 

Microscopies

• Electron microscopy.

• Scanning probe microscopy.

Spectroscopic techniques

• XPS spectroscopy for surface chemical analysis.

• Raman and IR spectroscopy.

• UV-Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy.

Compositional and morphological analyses

• Mass techniques for surface and compositional analysis.

• Particle size analysis and distribution.

Module 5 – Nanotechnologies for Energy

• Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion.

• Materials for Energy Storage.

• Nanomaterials for Energy Catalysis.

Module 6 – Nanotechnologies for the Environment and Future Perspectives 

• Nanomaterials for Environmental Monitoring.

• Nanomaterials for Water Purification.

• Advanced Porous Materials.

• Sustainability Aspects.

Students are encouraged to perform autonomous bibliographic research. Guidelines and indications on texts, different for each of the topics covered in the course, will be provided by the professor. Furthermore, the electronic copy of the lecture slides and, on some topics, additional material in electronic format, will be made available.

The exam consists of an oral exam aimed at assessing the student's understanding of the fundamental principles of nanotechnology, the methodologies for synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, and their applications in the energy and environmental sectors.

The assessment will take into account the student's ability to:

• describe the properties and characteristics of nanomaterials;

• connect structure, properties, and applications;

• critically discuss preparation and characterization techniques.

What are the main differences between the top-down and bottom-up approaches to nanomaterial synthesis?

What information do AFM and XPS provide, and when would you use each technique?

Describe an application of nanomaterials in the energy or environmental sectors, explaining which properties determine their effectiveness.