Multidisciplinary approach to NPs characterization
MSE-674 / 1 credit
Teacher(s): Casati Nicola, Lütz Bueno Viviane, Mueller Elisabeth, Testino Andrea
Language: English
Remark: 7-9 January 2025 at PSI
Frequency
Every year
Summary
Four experienced scientists will guide students in nanoparticles (NPs) characterization world with different approaches, from laboratory-based characterization techniques to X-ray scattering and electron microscopy.
Content
The course starts with a general introduction, colloidal stability concepts, and laboratory-based characterization techniques. Then, two sections explore wide and small angle X-ray scattering (WAXS and SAXS) and the information about structure, size, and shape that can be collected in dry NPs and colloids with the support of synchrotron light. Finally, the information accessible via electron microscopy are introduced, such as single particle electron diffraction, tomography, spectroscopy. Each topic consists of about three hours of lecture and about two hours of practical work.
Major contents:
1. Introduction and laboratory methods for NPs characterization, 5h (Dr. Andrea Testino, MER)
2. X-ray diffraction/scattering (WAXS) methods theory and practice, 5h (Dr. Nicola Casati, Group Leader, Beamline Manager)
3. X-ray scattering (SAXS) colloidal systems in liquids theory and practice, 5h (Dr. Viviane Lütz Bueno, Instrumental Scientist)
4. NPs characterization via electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, ED, EDX, tomography) 5h (Dr. Elisabeth Mueller, Group Leader,Electron Microscopy Manger
Note
Block course done at Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI, Villigen) in three days with final exam. Book you room at PSI guest house well in advance, if needed. The course is in January of February, please check exact days every years. Free auditors accepted. Limited to 16 partecipants.
Keywords
Nanoparticles characterizarion, particle size. particle shape, colloidal stability, WAXS, SAXS, electron microscopy
Learning Prerequisites
Required courses
Basic scientific background
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- - Assess / evaluate / modify colloidal stability of a suspension.
- - General knowledge on methods for NPs characterization.
- - Identify which technique is appropriate to assess NPs properties.
- - Critically evaluate information on NPs nature with a multidisciplinary view
Transversal skills
- Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking
- Access and evaluate appropriate sources of information.
- Plan and carry out activities in a way which makes optimal use of available time and other resources.
Assessment methods
Final written exam
Resources
Notes/Handbook
Detailed bibliography given with the course notes
Moodle Link
In the programs
- Number of places: 16
- Exam form: Written (session free)
- Subject examined: Multidisciplinary approach to NPs characterization
- Lecture: 12 Hour(s)
- Practical work: 8 Hour(s)
- Type: optional