Introductory description

N/A

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

This module will mainly focus on recent research in two main areas, specifically: a) dynamic electrochemistry and b) nanotechnology. Consequently the material in the module will be updated each year (as necessary) although the general areas covered will be identical on a year to year basis.

Syllabus
A compulsory set of 16 classes will be used to disseminate material in the following areas. 4 of these classes (2 per academic) will be used as an examples workshop and revision workshop.

Micro and NanoScale Electrochemistry

1. Key concepts (largely revision based) focused on fundamentals of dynamic electrochemical measurements
2. Mass transport versus electron transfer; micro- and nano-electrodes
3. Micro and nanoelectrode use in dynamic electrochemical imaging; control of mass transport and applications
4. Electrochemical Sensors
5. Micro and nanofluidics (lab-on-a-chip)

Nanotechnology

1. Key concepts (largely revision of concepts learnt in earlier years) relating to optoelectronic properties of molecular solids and the electronic structure of surfaces. New concepts include charge transfer doping of nanoscale materials and the push-back effect at molecule-metal contacts.
2. Engineering molecules as building blocks for single molecule devices.
3. Making electrical connection to single molecules: Approaches, Challenges and Complexity.
4. Single molecule devices: Wires, diodes and switches.
5. Low dimensional carbon (graphene and single –walled carbon nanotubes) as building blocks for nanoscale devices.
6. Nanoscale metal particles as building blocks for nanoscale devices, including an introduction to the plasmonic properties of nanoscale metals and how plasmonics can be exploited in nano-scale devices.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand and be aware of current research and problems in dynamic electrochemistry and nanotechnology.
• Use their knowledge to critically evaluate recent research in the two areas of study.Assimilate and disseminate their knowledge at a level understandable by the general public in the form of an oral presentation

Indicative reading list

Electrochemistry

1. Lifting the lid on the potentiostat: a beginners guide to electrochemical circuitry and practical operation https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP00661D
2. A Practical Beginner’s Guide to Cyclic Voltammetry, DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.7b00361
3. Microelectrodes, R. J. Forster, Chem. Soc. Rev., 1994, 289.

Research element

e.g. essay, dissertation, individual or group research, research skills activity, etc.

Subject specific skills

Numeracy
Problem solving
Critical thinking
Written communication
Oral communication
Teamwork
Organisation and time management
Independence and initiative
Information literacy and research skills
Professionalism

Transferable skills

Numeracy
Problem solving
Critical thinking
Written communication
Oral communication
Teamwork
Organisation and time management
Independence and initiative
Information literacy and research skills
Professionalism