Nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles, nanotubes, vesicles and nanocrystals, have dimensions of ~1 to 100 nm. In this size regime, fascinating optical, magnetic, catalytic, mechanical, and other properties emerge with the ability to impact many fields, ranging from energy harvesting and storage to biological imaging and therapeutics. Nanomaterials are already used in over 1300 products. For this reason, there is tremendous interest and excitement in the discovery, characterization, and application of new nanomaterials.
This course is a discussion course on nanomaterials. Through a case-study approach, synthesis, properties, and applications of nanomaterials, as well as techniques used to study and characterize them, will be explored. Examples of topics likely to be included: metal nanowires, quantum dots, nanoparticles, gold nanomaterials, nanotubes, graphene, mesoporous materials, block copolymer assemblies, photonic crystals, self-assembled monolayers, microcontact printing, DNA nanomaterials, biomaterials, cellulose nanocrystals, magnetic nanoparticles, etc.. Recent literature on the subject of nanomaterials will also be discussed. The course is student-led and requires several short presentations during the term.