Learning objectives

The course aims to provide students with the fundamental principles of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials, offering a broad overview of their structural and functional properties, as well as the main techniques for analyzing and characterizing their electronic, optical, and magnetic properties, and their practical applications. The characterization techniques will be presented from an applied perspective, with practical examples focusing on advanced materials and nanomaterials. Emphasis will be placed on the interpretation and analysis of data and information, rather than on the fundamental aspects of the aforementioned techniques. The skills acquired will enable students to understand and analyze the properties of materials and nanomaterials, with the purpose of comprehending and mastering the processes underlying the functioning of optical, electronic, and optoelectronic devices, and understanding how material properties can be functionalized for smart devices.

Prerequisites and basic notions

Knowledge of Physics 2 (electricity and electromagnetic waves) and the structure of matter are required.

Program

FUNDAMENTALS OF NANOSCIENCE:
- Introduction to nanotechnology.
- Nanoparticle size, quantum mechanics, and quantum confinement (Optical, magnetic, electronic, and mechanical properties).
- Overview of analytical techniques: scanning tunneling microscope (STM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
- Fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and quantum dots. - Nanoparticles in space, the atmosphere, and artificially produced.
- Interactions with living organisms.
- Effects on human health. Routes of entry into the human body: lungs, intestines, and skin.
- Nanotoxicology
- Nanomedicine: medical applications of nanotechnologies
PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES of nanomaterials
- Bottom-up approach: sol gel, laser induced fabrication, spinning, chemical
- Top-down approach: etching ablation, milling, sputtering
- Classification of nanomaterials and nanoparticles
APPLICATIONS of NANO-TECHNOLOGIES and NANO-MATERIALS
- from micro to nanosystems in electronics
- nanomechanics (NEMS) and nanofluidics
- nanophotonics and nano-optoelectronics
- metal nanoparticles
- Drug delivery
- Magnetic hyperthermia and oncological applications - Effects of nanoparticles on bacteria and viruses
- Biomedical imaging techniques and application of nanotechnologies in diagnosis.
- Nanostructured materials and applications in theragnostics. - Magnetic particle imaging
CHARACTERIZATION OF NANOSTRUCTURED MATERIALS
- Raman, DLS and XRD measurements o
- MRI and resonance
- Electron microscopy
f nanomaterials and nanoparticles

Bibliography

Didactic methods

Lectures with examples and applications. Experimental characterization of nanomaterials at research laboratories.

Learning assessment procedures

The exam will consist of questions on the topics covered in the course, with particular reference to the applications of nanotechnology. The exam format is the same for both attending and non-attending students. Erasmus students who request it will have their oral exam held in English. There will be no midterm exam.

Evaluation criteria

The exam is intended to assess the student's level of knowledge regarding the topics covered during the lectures. Assessment will take into account the knowledge acquired, as well as the clarity of presentation and the ability to summarize and connect the topics covered. The final grade is expressed in thirtieths.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

The final grade expressed in 30 will take into account the answers given

Exam language

Italiano