Surfaces and interfaces
Summary
Introduces the fundamental concepts for describing, characterizing, and engineering surfaces and interfaces, from atomic-scale to real-world phenomena. Students will develop an understanding of interfaces, the instrumentation to probe them, and how these principles translate to technologies.
Content
- Surface energetics and interfacial thermodynamics
- Atomic structure of real surfaces
- Adsorption phenomena and surface preparation/cleaning methods
- Surface characterization techniques (e.g., STM, SEM, TEM, XPS, AFM, QCM-D, SPR)
- Surface chemistry and self-assembled monolayers
- Polymer brushes, surface patterning, and protein adsorption
- Nanoscale surface phenomena
- Biosensor fundamentals, design and applications
Keywords
- Surface energy,
- Self-assembled monolayers
- Scanning probe microscopy
- Electron microscopy
- Surface spectroscopy
- Polymer brushes
- Nanoparticles
- Catalysis
- Biosensors
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Apply thermodynamic principles
- Predict interfacial stability and behavior
- Decide what characterization techniques to use
- Anticipate how molecules organize and behave at an interface
- Design functional technologies based on surface engineering principles
Teaching methods
Classical classroom teaching with active learning exercise session
Assessment methods
The course is evaluated by an oral final exam during the exam session.
Resources
Bibliography
Provided in Moodle
Notes/Handbook
Detailed lecture slides will be made available during the course.
Moodle Link
In the programs
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Surfaces and interfaces
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: mandatory