This course consists of 3 topics:
Topic #1
Advanced Inorganic Materials - Structure and Bonding -- Dr Sam Yick
(8 Lectures + 1 Tutorial)
Basic definitions in the solid: Lattice, Bravais lattices, symmetry operations, point groups, space groups • Pauling rules, lattice energy, Madelung constant, electrostatic valence principle • Elementary band theory of solids: The nearly-free electron model, particle in a one and three-dimensional box • Electronic absorption spectra of solids. • Hückel approximation for molecules. The Fermi level. • The reciprocal lattice, the Brillouin zone. Orbitals and bands in 1D solids, 2D and 3D structures, lattice distortions. • Electronic conductivity in solids, Krogman's salt: a quasi-one-dimensional material.
Topic #2
Polymer Electronics – Prof. Jadranka Travas-Sejdic and Prof. Paul Kilmartin
(8 Lectures + 1 Tutorial)
An introduction to the application of intelligent polymeric materials in plastic electronics will be presented. The focus will be on conducting polymer-based materials and devices, including fundamental studies related to synthesis procedures, conduction mechanisms and structural characterisation using spectroscopic techniques. The electrochemical properties of conducting polymers in the polypyrrole, polythiophene and polyaniline families will be outlined, along with the ability to produce a nanostructured form of these materials. A range of prospective applications will be considered, including energy conversion, biosensing, bioelectronics electroluminescence and microactuators.
Topic #3
Polymer Membranes– Dr Jianyong Jin
(8 Lectures + 1 Tutorial)
Various polymer-based membrane technologies, their theoretic principle, membrane materials synthesis and characterisation. Based on the lecturer's past industrial experience, this course will mainly focus on two major membrane applications: gas separation membrane and hydrogen fuel cell membrane.