Solid State Chemistry
Full course description
Solid state chemistry, also referred to as Materials chemistry, is a very technologically relevant branch of chemistry. Treating materials as a bulk, however, requires a slightly different theoretical background. This course aims to provide the correct technical framework to chemistry in the solid state, and combine basic theory with very real-life applications.
The six weeks of the course will aim to cover a total of six modules on key themes, among batteries, magnets, superconductors, semiconductors and solar cells, multiferroics, thermoelectrics, porous systems (MOFs/zeolites), fuel cells and oxygen ion conductors. The students’ preferences and specific interests will be taken into account for one or two modules. The tutorials sessions will complement this approach and help the students familiarise with the concepts.
The course it its entirety will aim to provide the students with the tools needed to understand the strengths, state-of-the-art and upcoming challenges of the very varied field that solid state chemistry represents.
Course objectives
- To expand on the student’s knowledge of Chemistry and understand how properties are modified in a solid state framework;
- To introduce the student to the fundamental science behind chemistry in solid state and the processes that steer it;
- To familiarise the students with materials of high technological relevancy and show the clear relationship between theory and its applications;
- To understand the state-of-the-art and have some indication of the challenges of the field;
- To give a stable foundation to pursue future master-level studies in the field.
Prerequisites
- None
Co-requisites
- None
Recommended reading
- A.R. West, “Solid State Chemistry and its applications”, 2nd Ed, 2014;
- P. M. Woodward, P. Karen,. J. S. O. Evans and T. Vogt. “Solid State Materials Chemistry” Cambridge University Press, 2021.
In addition, the students can also refer to the following advanced literature for a more support:
- P. A. Cox, “The electronic structure and chemistry of solids”, Oxford Science Pub., 1999;
- C. Kittel, "Introduction to solid state physics", John Wiley & Sons Inc., 8th Ed, 2005.
Additional references will be given on a lecture-by-lecture basis.