CHEMISTRY FOR NANOTECHNOLOGY - LABORATORY

The course is part of the core educational activities of the Master's Degree in Science and Technology of Bio and Nanomaterials. It teaches the students to face a chemical problem in the field of nanomaterials from a practical-experimental point of view and to use laboratory techniques and equipment.
The specific educational objective of this teaching module is to provide practical knowledge on nanochemistry experiments, providing skills that allow to carry out nanoparticles syntheses and to interpret the results obtained. In addition, the module aims to impart to the students knowledge relative to the analysis techniques for the investigation of nanomaterials and the data analysis.

STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF THE COURSE COULD CHANGE AS A CONSEQUENCE OF COVID-19.

1. Knowledge and understanding
a) To know and to understand the main methodologies of colloidal synthesis and related methods of characterization used during the laboratory
c) Knowledge of the main preparation methods of various nanosystems;
d) Demonstrate a good practical manual ability and a necessary operational safety

2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
a) Being able to use the concepts and the models learnt during the course in the inorganic synthesis laboratory
b) Being able to choose the best synthetic methodology for a specific nanomaterial
c) Ability to correlate the different laboratory experiments procedures with the observed results;
d) Learning the practical details of the instrumental techniques of investigation used during the laboratory.

3. Judgment skills
a) Being able to judge the suitability of a nanosystem synthesis, evaluating the possibility of different approaches
b) Ability of choosing independently the appropriate technique for the characterization of a given nanosystem;
c) Being able to judge the consistency of the results obtained during the laboratory

4. Communication skills
a) Communicate constructively with both the instructor(s)and lab mates during the laboratory sessions, always maintaining a high level of attention and chemical understanding of the experimental work;
b) Choosing the correct technical terminology and nomenclature and apply with clarity and authority in a laboratory context as well as in concise written reports.

5. Learning ability
a) Record the observed experimental results and relate them to the theoretical part of the course and the introductory lessons of the laboratory;
b) Drafting lab reports of a few pages which include in a clear, succinct and exhaustive way the objective of the experience, the experimental data and the related discussion of the results referring to the literature.

The prerequisites for the course include the fundamental knowledge of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry/materials science and physics of the solid state.

Synthesis and characterization of 7/8 different types of inorganic nanoparticles in relation to the theoretical contents of the course (metal nanoparticles, quantum dots, core-shell nanoparticles, fluorides and oxides). Investigation of the size and shape effect on metal nanoparticles (localized surface plasmon resonance, LSPR) and quantum confinement effect in semiconductors nanocrystals (quantum dots). Spectroscopic characterization to study the kinetics of formation and the optical properties (UV-VIS, photoluminescence), structural (XRD) and morphological analysis (size and shape by SEM, DLS and analytical ultracentrifugation) of the synthesized nanoparticles.
Lecture about the analysis of the data obtained and introduction to the use of common software for data analysis.
Attendance of laboratory activities is compulsory.

The teaching material and the experimental procedures will be provided by the teacher.

C. de Mello Donega, Nanoparticles, Springer-Verlag, 2014
C.N.R. Rao, A. Muller, A.K. Cheetham, Nanomaterials Chemistry: Recent Developments and New Directions, WILEY-VCH, 2007
D. Vollath, Nanomaterials: An Introduction to Synthesis, Properties, and Applications, WILEY-VCH, Second Edition, 2013

Each student in every group must submit a scientific report for each laboratory experiment. Laboratory reports must be submitted no later than approximately twenty days before the exam date and, in any case, no later than two months following the conclusion of the laboratory course. Reports are graded on a scale of thirty, and this evaluation contributes 50% of the final grade, which is calculated as a weighted average with the score of the written exam. Each student submits six reports, each of which is assigned between 0 and 6 points, for a maximum total of 30 points.

Teaching is organized in a series of laboratory experiences where the students carry out synthesis and characterizations of nanosystems and in two face-to-face lectures about the data analysis of the data obtained. With the aim to stimulate a discussion on the laboratory, the results of the experiences will be discussed during a meeting with the students. Participation in the laboratory is compulsory.

Enrolling for the examination is allowed only to students tha attend at least 80% of the taught lessons in person.
The students must present on the first day in the lab proof that they have passed the obligatory General and Specific Safety Training courses.

Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion

Accommodation and support services for students with disabilities and students with specific learning impairments:
Ca’ Foscari abides by Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding supportservices and accommodation available to students with disabilities. This includes students with mobility, visual, hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999), and specific learning impairments (Law 170/2010). In the case of disability or impairment that requires accommodations (i.e., alternate testing, readers, note takers or interpreters) please contact the Disability and Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disabilita@unive.it.

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This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Circular economy, innovation, work" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development