Training and Research

Nanomaterials: synthesis, characterization and applications  (2025/2026)

Academic staff

Francesco Enrichi , Guilherme Concas

Referent

Francesco Enrichi

Credits

3

Language

English

Class attendance

Free Choice

Location

VERONA

MoodleMoodle Seminars 0

Learning objectives

The aim of the course is to provide the fundamentals of nanosciences and nanotechnologies, the preparation of nanostructured materials and their characterization, as well as the possible applications and industrial implications.
At the end of the course, students will have knowledge of what concerns the vast world of nanosciences and nanotechnologies, and in particular of some specific examples regarding the synthesis and characterization of nanostructured materials and their application implications.

Prerequisites and basic notions

No specific prerequisites are required, other than basic knowledge of the chemistry/physics of materials.

Program

The course will be held in the second semester of 2024.
The course will be organized in the following main areas:
- introduction to nanosciences and nanotechnologies;
- synthesis of nanoparticles and nanostructured materials;
- characterization of nanostructured materials;
- application examples.

Bibliography

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Didactic methods

During the course, the open dialogue with students will ensure that all follow and understand the lessons.
The contents will be presented using a Power Point presentation prepared by the teacher and given to the students.

Learning assessment procedures

There is no exam.

Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD), who intend to request the adaptation of the exam, must follow the instructions given HERE

Assessment

There is no exam.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

There is no exam.

Scheduled Lessons

When Classroom Teacher topics
Tuesday 26 May 2026
10:30 - 12:30
Duration: 2:00 AM 		Ca' Vignal 2 - I [94 - terra] Francesco Enrichi Lesson 1. This class will be focused on a general introduction to nanotechnologies, highlighting the main features that arise from the small size of these systems. The discussion will also give a brief historical perspective and some examples of natural inspiring nanostructured materials that can be taken as examples for developing artificial materials. Finally, the technological approaches that are needed for realizing and characterizing nanostructured materials will be presented.
Wednesday 27 May 2026
13:30 - 15:30
Duration: 2:00 AM 		Ca' Vignal 2 - H [95 - terra] Francesco Enrichi
Guilherme Concas 		Lesson 2. In this class, the synthesis and characterisation of nanostructures will be the primary focus of discussion. In this section, we will provide a concise overview of the concept of nanostructure and highlight the current major applications in different fields. The subsequent discussion will address the introduction of specific nanostructures, with a particular focus on the subject of nanoparticles. The principal approaches to producing nanoparticles will be discussed, with the aim of providing a comprehensive overview of the different types, along with their respective advantages and disadvantages. In the following section, the various techniques for characterisation will be reviewed. The objective is to understand how to perform a comprehensive characterisation and to identify the advantages and limitations of each technique.
Lesson 2. In this class, the synthesis and characterisation of nanostructures will be the primary focus of discussion. In this section, we will provide a concise overview of the concept of nanostructure and highlight the current major applications in different fields. The subsequent discussion will address the introduction of specific nanostructures, with a particular focus on the subject of nanoparticles. The principal approaches to producing nanoparticles will be discussed, with the aim of providing a comprehensive overview of the different types, along with their respective advantages and disadvantages. In the following section, the various techniques for characterisation will be reviewed. The objective is to understand how to perform a comprehensive characterisation and to identify the advantages and limitations of each technique.
Thursday 28 May 2026
13:30 - 15:30
Duration: 2:00 AM 		Ca' Vignal 2 - H [95 - terra] Francesco Enrichi
Guilherme Concas 		Lesson 3. In this class, a special focus will be placed on an in-depth examination of the Laser Synthesis and Processing of Colloids (LSPC). The LSPC is a set of techniques applied to the production of organic and inorganic nanostructures. They encompass the synthesis of thin films to nanoparticles from nano to microscale. The procedure has been demonstrated to be both cost-effective and simple, as well as being highly versatile.
Lesson 3. In this class, a special focus will be placed on an in-depth examination of the Laser Synthesis and Processing of Colloids (LSPC). The LSPC is a set of techniques applied to the production of organic and inorganic nanostructures. They encompass the synthesis of thin films to nanoparticles from nano to microscale. The procedure has been demonstrated to be both cost-effective and simple, as well as being highly versatile.
Wednesday 03 June 2026
13:30 - 15:30
Duration: 2:00 AM 		Ca' Vignal 2 - H [95 - terra] Francesco Enrichi
Guilherme Concas 		Lesson 4. Recent advances in nanotechnology have opened the door to a transformative leap in societal knowledge and technological capability. From the development of stronger, lighter alloys to breakthroughs in medicine, energy, and electronics, nanotechnology is reshaping what is possible across multiple fields. This class will explore the diverse real-world applications of nanostructures—and examine their potential to improve everyday life, address global challenges, and shape the future of society.
Lesson 4. Recent advances in nanotechnology have opened the door to a transformative leap in societal knowledge and technological capability. From the development of stronger, lighter alloys to breakthroughs in medicine, energy, and electronics, nanotechnology is reshaping what is possible across multiple fields. This class will explore the diverse real-world applications of nanostructures—and examine their potential to improve everyday life, address global challenges, and shape the future of society.
Tuesday 09 June 2026
10:30 - 12:30
Duration: 2:00 AM 		Ca' Vignal 2 - I [94 - terra] Francesco Enrichi Lesson 5. This class focuses on the advanced techniques used to characterize nanostructured materials, with particular emphasis on the information each method provides and its underlying physical principles. Topics include electron microscopy (e.g., SEM, TEM) for structural and morphological analysis, spectroscopy techniques for chemical and electronic characterization, and scanning probe methods for surface-sensitive investigations.
Thursday 11 June 2026
13:30 - 15:30
Duration: 2:00 AM 		Ca' Vignal 2 - H [95 - terra] Francesco Enrichi Lesson 6. This class presents a broad range of practical applications of nanostructured materials, highlighting how their unique properties at the nanoscale translate into functional advantages. Case studies will be drawn from key areas such as energy (e.g., photovoltaics, batteries), biomedicine (e.g., drug delivery, diagnostics), and nanoelectronics. Particular attention will be given to the relationship between synthesis, structure, and performance, as well as to current technological challenges and limitations, fostering a research-oriented perspective on the design and implementation of nanomaterials.