Intro to Nano Outline

Here is some more info on my Intro to Nano course:Textbook: "Nanotechnology for Dummies" by Richard Booker and Earl Boysen. This is a pretty good read and a pretty good introductory text book for a first semester introductory Nanoscience class. I treat it as a supplemental reading not as a textbook for the course.I started out using "Nanotechnology: Basic Science and Emerging Technologies" by Mick Wilson et al. but this seemed to be a bit difficult for my students to read.Other books you might consider for this type of class are "Nanotechnology: A Gentle Introduction to the Next Big Idea" (good overall book) or "Nanotechnology Demystified." There are a few others that I have not read yet.Unit 1 Intro to NanoA. Definition of NanoB. Nano IndustryC. History of NanoD. The Nano ScaleE. Nano ChemistryF. Waves and LightG. Quantum MechanicsUnit 2 Tools of NanoA. Optical MicroscopeB. Electron MicroscopesC. Scanning Probe MicroscopesD. X-Ray AnalysisE. Other tools: FIB, MS, SIMS, FTIR, RamanUnit 3 Nanomaterials and NanoproductsA. Nanoparticles - Gold Nanoparticle SynthesisB. Carbon nanotubesC. Synthesis of nanomaterials, Self assembly and Free EnergyD. Magnetic Ferrofluid SynthesisUnit 4 Special topics may include:A. Lab on a ChipB. Alternative Energy ApplicationsC. Biomedical ApplicationsD. Quantum ComputingE. Start up Companies and Proprietary InformationF. Defense and Security

I have done some energy entropy calculations in the past. I used to put it early on but I have decided to move it later into the first semester course since many of the students are not that comfortable with math yet.

I provide a table with delta G, delta H and S values as well as the equations, Gibb's Free Energy: delta G = delta H - T delta S, and Boltzmann's Equation S=Kb ln(omega). Following are some calculations I have the students do. I may be over simplifying some of this.

6. A theoretical chemist determines that each of a certain type of molecule can potentially have 6 states like a six sided die. What is the probability, Ω, for 20 of these molecules?

7. A theoretical chemist determines that each of a certain type of molecule can potentially have 6 states like a six sided die. Use Boltzmann’s equation to calculate S for 1 mole of these molecules.
Hint: ln(6n) = n ln(6) and 1 mole = 6.022 x 10^23

8. A theoretical chemist determines calculates S before a reaction to be 14.9 J/mol/K. Convert this to cal/mol/K.

9. The reactants in a chemical reaction have an entropy of Sreactants = 3.56 cal/mol/K and the products in a chemical reaction have an entropy of Sproducts = 16.72 cal/mol/K. Calculate ΔS. Hint ΔS = Sproducts – Sreactants.

10. The heat generated by the reaction, ΔH is -57.8 kcal/mol. Use the free energy equation to calculate ΔG at room temperature.

You need to be a member of The International NanoScience Community - Nanopaprika.eu to add comments!

Join The International NanoScience Community - Nanopaprika.eu

Comments

Hans Mikelson September 11, 2008 at 9:38pm

To demonstrate self assembly I have some magnetic marbles that the students can shake up and pour out on the table and compare to ordinary balls. Ordinary marbles will not self assemble but the magnetic marbles typically arrange themselves into shapes.

When we cover particle dispersion using polymers I can use a kush ball or similar ball to give them a visual of what it will look like.
Hans Mikelson September 11, 2008 at 9:29pm

I have done some energy entropy calculations in the past. I used to put it early on but I have decided to move it later into the first semester course since many of the students are not that comfortable with math yet.

I provide a table with delta G, delta H and S values as well as the equations, Gibb's Free Energy: delta G = delta H - T delta S, and Boltzmann's Equation S=Kb ln(omega). Following are some calculations I have the students do. I may be over simplifying some of this.

6. A theoretical chemist determines that each of a certain type of molecule can potentially have 6 states like a six sided die. What is the probability, Ω, for 20 of these molecules?

7. A theoretical chemist determines that each of a certain type of molecule can potentially have 6 states like a six sided die. Use Boltzmann’s equation to calculate S for 1 mole of these molecules.
Hint: ln(6n) = n ln(6) and 1 mole = 6.022 x 10^23

8. A theoretical chemist determines calculates S before a reaction to be 14.9 J/mol/K. Convert this to cal/mol/K.

9. The reactants in a chemical reaction have an entropy of Sreactants = 3.56 cal/mol/K and the products in a chemical reaction have an entropy of Sproducts = 16.72 cal/mol/K. Calculate ΔS. Hint ΔS = Sproducts – Sreactants.

10. The heat generated by the reaction, ΔH is -57.8 kcal/mol. Use the free energy equation to calculate ΔG at room temperature.
Samuel Levenson September 11, 2008 at 6:22pm

I was trying to find a good - not too hand waving but not too abstract - explanation of the interaction of entropy and energy in forming large highly structured molecules. The text book explanations (see Intro to Nanoscience - Hornyak et al.) look intersting at first glance but see pretty superficial to me. Is this a concept not ripe for an intro to nano course or does someone have a pointer to a discussion at the righ level?

This reply was deleted.