Surfaces and interfaces
Summary
This lecture introduces the basic concepts used to describe the atomic or molecular structure of surfaces and interfaces and the underlying thermodynamic concepts. The influence of interfaces on the properties of materials is also discussed.
Content
- Crystallographic representation of surfaces, reconstruction
- Epitaxial growth
- Surface energy
- Solid-liquid interfaces, interfacial energy, work of adhesion
- Solid-solid interfaces, grain boundaries, interfacial energy
- Surface energy, surface states and catalysis
- Electronic properties of surfaces, work function, surface dipoles
- Surface states
- Effect of surfaces in bulk materials properties.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Analyze a surface reconstruction
- Anticipate the stability of a given interface
- Decide what are the necessary thermodynamics concept to describe an interface
- Anticipate the behaviour of molecules close to the interface
- Infer certain processes at the interface
Teaching methods
Ex cathedra (flipped classroom) and exercises
Assessment methods
The course is evaluated by an oral final exam during the exam session.
Resources
Bibliography
James M. Howe, Interfaces in Materials, Wiley
Ressources en bibliothèque
Notes/Handbook
Detailed lecture slides and interactive Mathematica notebooks will be made available during the course.
Moodle Link
In the programs
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Surfaces and interfaces
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: mandatory