68075 Advanced Materials
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 68070 Introduction to Materials OR 60101 Chemistry and Materials Science OR 65111 Chemistry 1
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Description
This subject contains two complementary strands. The first deals with methods for producing nanostructures, nanostructured materials and nanoscale devices, using deposition, growth and self-assembling processes. The second uses real-world examples to demonstrate how the unique properties of these materials can be tailored for a wide range of applications from novel building materials and medical prothestics to the next generation of electronic devices.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Understand and describe the importance and impact of nanoscale science which has to the engineering of materials and processes for the 21st century |
|---|---|
| 2. | Use fundamental knowledge in materials science to solve problems associated with nanomaterials and nanotechnology. |
| 3. | Understand and describe the latest development of the nanomaterials in commercial and industrial applications |
| 4. | Apply the basic principle of nanomaterials science and engineering, that microstructure controls properties and processing controls microstructure. |
| 5. | Identify the scientific issues that underpin the nanoscale properties of materials, nanotechnology in nature and biology, biomimetics and nanoscale measurement and analysis. |
| 6. | Describe the different chemical and physical behaviours of nanomaterials. |
| 7. | Evaluate the role of standards with respect to nanomaterial performance. |
| 8. | Use technical terms relating to nanomaterials science and engineering. |
| 9. | Solve simple nanomaterials selection problems and critically assess nanomaterials selection procedures. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate coherent understanding of physics and related knowledge applied to diverse contexts. (1.1)
- Evaluate the reliability of scientific evidence and apply effective experimental design, analysis and critical thinking to predict the behaviour of real-world systems using physical models (2.1)
- Evaluate and design solutions to complex physical problems through creative problem-solving, using analytical, computational, and experimental approaches. (4.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Through the lectures and practicals, the following contributions will be made to graduate profile:
Graduate Attribute 1.0: Disciplinary Knowledge
On successful completion of this course, graduates will have developed: Knowledge of nanotechnology to demonstrate depth, breadth, application, and interrelationships of relevant discipline areas. On successful completion of this course, graduates will be able to: - Apply: Develop experimental skills in established and emerging nanotechnology techniques in research contexts. - Analyse: Examine and utilise in-depth technical knowledge of nanotechnology as well as relevant areas in chemistry, physics, and materials science. - Synthesise: Apply analytical and computational techniques to analyse and suggest solutions to solve nanotechnology problems.
Graduate Attribute 2.0: Research, inquiry, and critical thinking
On successful completion of this course, graduates will have developed: The ability to frame hypotheses to solve problems through the application of the scientific method and experiment, and to test current nanotechnology knowledge through critical evaluation and data analysis. On successful completion of this course, graduates will be able to: - Apply: Analytically predict the behaviour of real-world complex systems by using physical models with underlying assumptions, and suggested demonstrations and experiments. - Analyse: Combine information from a variety of sources and apply that knowledge to solving research problems. - Synthesise: Tackle the challenge of real-world problems by identifying the underlying physics and critically evaluating different solutions with consideration of uncertainties arising from experimental investigations.
Graduate Attribute 4.0: Reflection, Innovation, Creativity
On successful completion of this course, graduates will have developed: The ability to design creative solutions to contemporary nanotechnology-related issues using reflective practices and self-directed learning. On successful completion of this course, graduates will be able to: - Apply: Demonstrate individual and independent learning strategies enabled by peer review and self-reflection. - Analyse: Dissect new information acquired through experimentation to formulate creative hypotheses. - Synthesise: Develop innovative thinking through creative problem-solving, using analytical, computational, or experimental approaches within the research context.
Teaching and learning strategies
- Practical work is an important part of this course in which students gain experimental skills that they will require in later stage subjects in their program. The practicals will also be used to assess the students’ skills in the laboratory and the report writing. During the laboratories, students work in the small groups of 3 or 4 to complete the experiments, which typically include synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, followed by property testing. Each of the students will take different and complementary responsibilities within the group.
- Lectures will be presented with opportunity for student participation and are supported by a closely related laboratory program. Examples related to the students’ degree program are used to illustrate the importance of the topic. Selected videos are available in Canvas before or after the lectures. Students should watch the videos to reinforce concepts. Topics presented in the lectures are assessable in the final exam.
- The online quiz is used to provide early formative feedback to the students and teaching staff with regard to the students’ understanding of the subject.
- Canvas is used to post worked solutions to assignments, tutorials etc. and to keep students informed of their progress. Announcements are also made via this forum.
Content (topics)
An indicative list of topics that will be covered during lectures and lab sessions follows below. Note that some topics and the order of presentation may change from year to year.
Overview of nanomaterials and their applications. Classification of different nanomaterials.
Size effects, scaling laws, surface area.
Analyses and presentation of data, significant figures, errors.
Nanomaterial synthesis methods: chemical and physical methods.
Structure - property relationships, introduction to crystallography and characterization techniques.
Quantum dots and fluorescent nanocrystals, and their application in biophotonics and medical biotechnology.
Carbon-based materials: industrial carbon products, fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, graphene, nano-diamonds.
Nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion (batteries).
Composite nanomaterials- introduction to particulate and fibre reinforced materials and their applications, rule of mixtures for predicting composite properties.
Two-dimensional semiconductors
Colloids and precious metal nanoparticles
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Assignments
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Science graduate attributes: Graduate Attribute 1.0: Disciplinary Knowledge Graduate Attribute 2.0: Research, inquiry, and critical thinking |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 2.1 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Criteria: | Accuracy of the answers |
Assessment task 2: Laboratory work
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Science graduate attributes: Graduate Attribute 2.0: Research, inquiry, and critical thinking Graduate Attribute 4.0: Reflection, Innovation, Creativity |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 2.1 and 4.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Criteria: | Clarity of report Accuracy of calculations Correctness of conclusions |
Assessment task 3: Final Examination
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Science graduate attributes: Graduate Attribute 1.0: Disciplinary Knowledge |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Criteria: | Accuracy of the calculations Clarity of descriptions Correctly identify the issues |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass this subject, students must achieve at least 50% of the marks for the subject.
Students are strongly encouraged to attend all lectures and practical sessions.
Required texts
Required reading is provided in each module on Canvas, along with links to the Library electronic resources.
Recommended texts
Poole, C.P. and Owens F.J. (2003). “Introduction to Nanotechnology”, Wiley-Interscience.
Other resources
Books (UTS library call-number in parentheses)
1. General
- Bard AJ (1994). “Integrated chemical systems: a chemical approach to nanotechnology”, NY, Wiley (660.297 BARD)
- Gardner JW, Hingle (1991). “From instrumentation to nanotechnology”, Philadelphia, Gordon & Breach (681.2 GARD)
- Nalwa HS (2000). “Handbook of nanostructured materials and nanotechnology”. San Diego, Academic Press (620.5 NALW [1-5])
- Regis E (1995). “Nano: the emerging science of nanotechnology: remaking the world – molecule by molecule”, Boston, Little Brown (620.4 REGI)
- Rietman EA (2001). “Molecular engineering of nanosystems”, NY, Springer (620.5 RIET)
2. Nanostructured Materials & Coatings
- Dresselhaus MS, Dresselhaus G (2001). “Carbon nanotubes: synthesis, structure, properties, and applications”, Berlin, Springer (620.193 DREE)
- Ebbesen TW (1997). “Carbon nanotubes: preparation and properties”, Boca Raton, CRC (620.193 EBBE)
- Edelstein AS, Cammarata RC (1998). “Nanomaterials: synthesis, properties, and applications”, Bristol, Institute Physics (620.11 EDEL)
- Harris PJF (1999). “Carbon nanotubes and related structures: new materials for the 21st century”, Cambridge, CUP (620.193 HARR)
- Hodes G (2000). “Electrochemistry of nanomaterials”. Weinheim, Wiley (620.11297 HODE)
- Inoue A, Hashimoto K (2001). “Amorphous and nanocrystalline materials: preparation, properties, and applications”, Berlin, Springer (621.11 INOU)
- Koch CC (2002). “Nanostructured material: processing, properties and potential applications”, Norwich NY, Noyes (620.11 KOCH)
- Markel VA, George TF (2001). “Optics of nanostructured materials”, NY, Wiley (621.36 MARK)
- Morris DG (1998). “Mechanical behaviour of nanostructured materials”, Zurich, Trans Tech (620.5 MORR)
3. Nanomachines, Sensors & MEMs
- Grattarola M, Massobrio G (1998). “MOSFETS, biosensors, and neurons”, NY, McGraw-Hill (621.3815 MASS)
- Gross M (1999). “Travels to the nanoworld: miniature machinery in nature and technology”, NY, Plenum
- (620.5 GROS)
- Lorenz WJ, Plieth W (1998). “Electrochemical nanotechnology: in-situ local probe techniques at electrochemical interfaces”, Weinheim, Wiley (547.37 LORE)
- Sienicki K (1993). “Molecular electronics and molecular electronic devices”, Boca Raton, CRC (621.381/369 [2])
4. Nanofabrication & Nanomanipulation
- Hoch HC, Jelinski LW, Craighead HG (1996). “Nanofabrication and biosystems: integrating materials science, engineering and biology”, Cambridge, CUP (660.6 HOCH)