General Description and Expectation of the Class:
This course is aimed at providing students a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of colloid science and sol-gel processing. The emphasis will be placed on the synthesis and applications of various materials, such as multi-component oxides, nano-composites, meso- and microporous materials, and organic/inorganic hybrids that have important applications in both leading technologies and modern industries.

Files, Lecture Materials, Notes, Etc.

Electrostatic Stabilization (10/05/2005)

Ch 3 Section 3.2.1 - 3.2.5.3

Ch 5 Section 5.6 - 5.11

Ch 6 Section 6.3 - 6.5.2

Reference books:

1. Alain C. Pierre (1998), Introduction to Sol-Gel Processing, Kluwer, Norwell, MA
2. C.J. Brinker and G.W. Scherer (1990), Sol-Gel Science: The Physics and Chemistry of Sol-Gel Processing, Academic Press, San Diego, CA.
3. J.D. Wright and N.A.J.M. Sommerdijk (2001), Sol-Gel Materials: Chemistry and Applications, Gordon and Breach Science Publishers, Amsterdam.
4. R.W. Jones (1989), Fundamental Principles of Sol-Gel Technology, The Institute of Metals, London.
5. W.B. Russel, D.A. Saville, and W.R. Schowalter (1995), Colloidal Dispersions, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, MA.
6. J. Lyklema (1991), Fundamentals of Interface and Colloid Science: Vol. 1, Academic Press, London.

Course Content:

1. Introduction to colloid science
1. Electrostatic stabilization and double layer structures (DLVO theory)
2. Steric interactions and polymer stabilization
3. Depletion stabilization

2. Sol preparation
1. Synthesis and modification of precursors
2. Hydrolysis and condensation reactions
3. Effects of solvent and catalysts
4. Kinetics: reaction viz. diffusion

3. Gel formation
1. Percolation and gelation
2. Continued condensation and dehydroxylation
3. Structural evolution and syneresis
4. Gel network surface chemistry modification
5. Drying: constant rate drying, first and second falling drying
6. Supercritical and frozen drying

4. Sintering and densification
1. Dehydroxylation and surface condensation
2. Viscous sintering, structural relaxation, and densification
3. Crystallization, phase transformation, and structural evolution

5. Structure characterization
1. Structural characterization
2. Chemical characterization

6. Materials and applications
1. Nanocomposites and organic/inorganic hybrids
2. Porous materials: macro-, meso-, and microporous
3. Coatings, films, and membranes
4. Surface modification and functionalization through self-assembly
5. Monoliths, monosized nanoparticles, and fibers
6. Gradient structured materials

Grading:
50% Take-home exam
50% Term paper

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