Introduction To The Silica-Based Nanostructured Materials

Timetable

Module aim (aims)

• To provide a basic knowledge on synthesis, characterization and application of nanostructured silica-based materials.
• To improve students’ laboratory skills by performing syntheses of nanostructured silicas with a definite pore structure and symmetry.
• To allow students to critically evaluate and discuss obtained results while preparing scientific report.
• To develop communication and cooperation skills by working in a small group.

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Knowledge:
• basics of general and physical chemistrySkills:
• basic laboratory techniques (weighing, pipetting, filtration, drying, etc.)
• an intermediate level of specialized chemical English
• self-discipline in distance learningSocial competences:
• ability to work in a small group (laboratories)

Syllabus

The course provides students with an introduction to the topic of nanostructured materials with a special emphasis on silica-based materials. It can be motivating for students who are interested in the synthesis, characterization and application of nanostructured materials, specifically ordered mesoporous silicas.During the course, students will have the opportunity to learn about the methods of obtaining ordered nanoporous silica materials with variable symmetry of pores, including those from the M41S, SBA and KIT family. Basic techniques for determining the physicochemical parameters of the abovementioned materials, in particular X-ray diffraction, low temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption and transmission electron microscopy will be presented. The practical part of the course will include the synthesis and functionalization of selected silica-based nanostructured materials, as well as the determination of their basic structural and texture parameters.By the end of this course students will improve their knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and problem solving skills. By working through example cases, they will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the synthesis and functionalization procedures, as well as characterization methods associated with the nanostructured siliceous materials.Through participation in the e-learning part of the course students will not only gain the knowledge in the nanostructured materials, but also improve they self-discipline in the individual work. Moreover, during course activities they will gain an experience in the skills of observation, analysis, objectivity, precision, and clear communication.In order to successfully complete the course, students will be required to complete all activities listed in the e-learning and to prepare a report from the laboratory part.

Reading list

1. Z.A. ALOthman, A Review: Fundamental Aspects of Silicate Mesoporous Materials, Materials, 2012, 5, 2874-2902; DOI:10.3390/ma5122874.
2. M. Thommes, K. Kaneko, A.V. Neimark, J.P. Olivier, F. Rodriguez-Reinoso, J. Rouquerol, K.S.W. Sing, Physisorption of gases, with special reference to the evaluation of surface area and pore size distribution (IUPAC Technical Report), Pure and Applied Chemistry, 2015, 87(9-10), 1051-1069; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2014-1117.
3. Materials provided by the teacher.