09251 - Complementary Notions of Inorganic Chemistry

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student is able to correlate the structure of inorganic materials with their chemical and physical properties. Specifically, they acquire knowledge related to specific categories of materials such as hydrides, borides, carbides, nitrides, and oxides. The student gains an understanding of general synthesis methods for these materials and explores some of their significant and innovative applications.

Course contents

Introduction to packing in solids (ccp, hcp, bcc). Coordination polyhedra. Molecular, covalent, ionic and metallic solids. Unit cells and crystal systems. Preparative methods, properties and application of MxXy binary compounds (M = metal or metalloid, X = H, B, C, N, O). Ternary compounds and superior. Classification of hydrides. Hydrogen as fuel. NiMH batteries. Classification of carbides and nitrides. Classification of borides. Structural and bonding relations among borides and molecular boranes. Classification of oxides. Spinels, perovskites and silicates. Application of oxides: glass, opitcal fibres, ITO. Zeolites. Electrical properties: semiconductors, conductors, superconductors and ionic conductors. Some examples of their technological applications (photovoltaic cells, electrophotography, Na/S batteries, fuel cells). Magnetic properties. Piezoelectric materials. Synthesis of inorganic materials.

Readings/Bibliography

• L. Smart, E. Moore: Solid State Chemistry, Stanley Thornes (Publishers) Ltd

• A. R. West: Basic Solid State Chemistry, J. Wiley & Sons, Ltd

•  N. N. Greenwood, A. Earnshaw: Chemistry of the Elements, Elsevier Science Ltd

• Shriver, Atikins: "Inorganic Chemistry".

• Papers from scientific journals.

Teaching methods

Lectures will be given in the classroom.

Assessment methods

Assessment will be by oral exam. Marks are given based on knowledge of the program and oral skills (appropriate scientific language, etc.).

To take the exam students must register on the web (AlmaEsami) in advance. Failing that, admission is left to teacher discretion.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint presentations, blackboard. Models to help the understanding of solid packing.

The teaching material , protected under password, is available to the students in electronic format.

Office hours

See the website of Maria Carmela Iapalucci