Iontronics

Summary

Iontronics is an emerging field that focuses on the use and control of ions as signal carriers to perform specific tasks. The course covers the fundamentals of iontronics and introduces its applications in many fields.

Content

Keywords

iontronics, nanopore, nanofluidics, dropletronics, bioiontronics, neuromorphic computing, energy harvesting and storage, water treatment, environmental sustainability

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

This class requires a basic knowledge in biology, physics, chemistry, electronics and material science.

Required courses: basic electronics

Recommended courses

Electrochemistry

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

• Describe • Describe the concept of iontronics-related topics.
• Make • Make examples of how engineering approaches have led to advancements in iontronics.
• Elaborate • Elaborate on the similarities and differences between electronics and iontronics.
• Decide • Decide which component an iontronic system should have.
• Describe • Describe the discovery or development from recent scientific literature.
• Analyze • Analyse typical iontronic data.
• Predict • Predict the market needs and future trends.
• Propose • Propose research interests in a correct manner.

Transversal skills

• Access and evaluate appropriate sources of information.
• Summarize an article or a technical report.
• Write a scientific or technical report.
• Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking
• Make an oral presentation.
• Communicate effectively with professionals from other disciplines.
• Take feedback (critique) and respond in an appropriate manner.
• Give feedback (critique) in an appropriate fashion.

Teaching methods

• Weekly lectures (2h) and exercise session in small groups (1h)
• Self-paced learning with materials provided by the seminar speakers
• Presentation instructions and feedback

Expected student activities

• Attend all lectures.
• Form into small groups and prepare for the proposal exercise.
• Study academic literature.
• Write a letter of intent, a scientific proposal, and peer-review reports, and prepare a short pitching presentation and a final group presentation on a selected topic.
• Take part in the group discussion and provide feedback to other students' presentations.

Assessment methods

• Letter of intent: 10%
• Group project proposal 35%
• Peer-review reports: 20%
• Final presentation: 35%

Supervision

Resources

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

No

Notes/Handbook

• Notes/Handbook: Lecture notes will be provided.
• Guest lecture notes and supporting materials.

Websites

• https://www.epfl.ch/labs/bion/publications/

Moodle Link

• https://go.epfl.ch/MICRO-554