Surface Chemistry

Catalog description

Surface chemistry, emphasizing the physical and chemical aspects of surfaces important for applications in colloids, catalysis, microelectronics and biocompatibility. CHEM 448 Surface Chemistry (3) introduces the student to the basic principles of the chemical behavior of surfaces with an emphasis on the fundamental aspects, including surface structure, bonding, thermochemistry and dynamical behavior. The course is intended to provide the basis for extensions into disciplines ranging across geology, materials, environmental engineering, biology, agriculture, physics and nanoscience. Fundamental concepts and relationships of the chemical behavior of organic and inorganic substances that the student has already learned in previous courses will be assembled, correlated and directed towards understanding the behavior of the special case of the surfaces and interfaces of liquids and solids. Starting from the basic principles the student will be guided to evolve a fundamental understanding and predictive ability for important man made and natural applications and phenomena of practical interest, including colloids, surface coatings, lubrication, heterogeneous catalysis, weather, geology, chemical sensing, microelectronics and biocompatibility.