17509 - Inorganic Materials

Academic Year 2008/2009

  • Docente: Giuliano Longoni
  • Credits: 3
  • SSD: CHIM/03
  • Language: Italian
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Industrial Chemistry (cod. 0013)

Learning outcomes

Problematics inherent to building an ordered tridimensional network of atoms, ions or molecules and limitations imposed by the stoichiometry of the material. Peculiar properties of hydrides (due the the size of hydrogen), carbides and nitrides (due to their high valence), borides (due to catenation tendency of boron) and oxides (due to the relatively low-valence of oxygen). General methods of synthesis for bulk materials, films and single crystals. Methods of characterization of materials. Structure-properties relatioships. The use (or potential applications) of some functional materials are critically analyzed with the help of a few most significant examples.

Course contents

1- Introduction to tridimensional packing and structures built by space-filling polyhedra- Metals and alloys- Ionic solids- Covalent network structures- Molecular solids- Bonding in solids- Iso- and Poly-morphism- Crystal defects- Non-stoichiometry and Solid solutions. 2- Synthesis methods, properties and applications of binary compounds of type MxXy (M = metal or non-metal, X = H, B, C, N, O)- Ternary compounds and beyond- Phase diagrams of some material of technological importance (cement and glass). 3- Classification of Hydrided- Hydrogen as fuel- NiMH batteries. 4- Classification of carbides and Nitrides- Applications 5- Classification of Oxides- Spinels and Perovskites 6- Classification of Borides- Stuctural and electronic relationship with molecular boranes 7- Electrical properties: definition and classification of semiconductors, conductors, superconductors and ionic conductors- Examples of application of conductors and superconductors of type I and II- Solid electrolytes and Li-ion, Na/S batteries and fuel cells. 8- Ferro-, Piezo- and Pyro-electrical materials and their applications 9- Magnetic properties: definition and classification of magnetic materials 10- Synthesis via Sol-gel of a zeolite and characterization by X-ray powder diffraction

Readings/Bibliography

Anthony R. West, Basic Solid State Chemistry, J. Wiley & Sons, Chichester, UK, 1999 (ISBN 0-471-98756-5) CD of lectures in Powerpoint. Web Links. Original articles.

Teaching methods

Room lectures and practical lab

Assessment methods

Oral colloquium

Teaching tools

Videoprojector, Web PC, Synthesis lab, X-ray diffraction lab

Office hours

See the website of Giuliano Longoni