Nanochemistry

Code:

Q4111

Acronym:

Q4111

Level:

400

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Chemistry

Instance: 2025/2026 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	https://moodle.up.pt/course/view.php?id=472
Responsible unit:	Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Biochemistry

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
M:BQ	2	Official study plan since 2024/2025	1	-	6	42	162

Teaching language

Portuguese and english

Objectives

- To identify the role of Chemistry in the context of Nanosciences and Nanotechnology.

- To gain knowledge in methods of production of nanomaterials and characterization techniques for nanomaterials analysis.

- To select the most appropriate experimental techniques for the characterization of each nanomaterial.

- To identify the technological applications of each type of nanomaterial.

- To identify potential risks, regulations, and ethical issues associated with the impact of the production and commercialization of nanotechnology-based products on society.

- To read and interpret critically scientific papers in the areas of Nanosciences and Nanotechnology

 

Learning outcomes and competences

- To apply key concepts in chemistry to the fields of Nanosciences and Nanotechnology.

- To acquire scientific knowledge and experimental skills in the synthesis, manipulation and characterization of nanomaterials.

- To recognize the variation in material properties due to dimensional and shape effects.

- To recognize the influence of the surface nature of nanomaterials on their properties.

- Develop skills to design chemical strategies for the surface functionalization/derivatization of nanomaterials.

- To be able to rationally select a type of nanomaterial for a specific application.

- To identify the technological potentialities of nanomaterials.

- To identify the risks and impact associated with the adoption of Nanotechnology.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

No previous specific background is required, besides the basic knowledge in Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry.

Program

1. Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: Nanochemistry and nanomaterials.


2. Generic nanomaterial preparation methods: top-down and bottom-up.


3. Nanomaterials characterization methods: an overview.


4. Nanometric iron oxides: Preparation and functionalization methods. Magnetism. Magnetic photonic crystals. Characterization and scientific/ technological applications.


5. Metallic nanoparticles: Preparation and functionalization methods. Optical properties. Characterization and scientific/ technological applications.


6. Nanosilica: Preparation and functionalization methods. Core-shell nanoparticles. Photonic crystals. Characterization and scientific/ technological applications.


7. Carbon nanomaterials: Preparation and functionalization methods. Characterization and scientific/ technological applications.


8. Semiconductor quantum dots: Preparation and functionalization methods. Size and shape dependent properties. Photoluminescence. Characterization and scientific/ technological applications.


9. Nanotechnology impacts in Society: Scientific and technological impact. Commercial and economic impact. Environmental impact. Social and ethical impacts.

Mandatory literature

G. A. Ozin, A. C. Arsenault; Nanochemistry- A chemical approach to nanomaterials, Royal Society of Chemistry, 2005. ISBN: 978-1-84755-895-4
L. Cademartiri, G. A. Ozin; Concepts of Nanochemistry, Wiley- VCH, 2009. ISBN: 978-3-527-32597-9
A. Collins; Nanotechnology Cookbook, Elsevier, 2012. ISBN: 978-0080971728
A. Klinkova, Héloïse Thérien-Aubin; Nanochemistry: Chemistry of Nanoparticle Formation and Interactions, Elsevier, 2023. ISBN: 978-0443214479

Complementary Bibliography

R. M. Cornell, U. Schwertmann; The Iron Oxides, Wiley- VCH, 2003

Comments from the literature

Jury: Clara Isabel Barbosa Rodrigues Pereira

Teaching methods and learning activities

1 - Lectures: Presentation and exploration of syllabus topics using multimedia tools and and application examples; specialized topics will be presented by invited guests. The lectures slides will be available in the Moodle UP webpage of the course. Other documents and websites will be given to the students in order to complement their formation in specific subjects.

2 - Lab classes: Synthesis, characterization and application of nanomaterials. Application of the learnt concepts in the elaboration of original scientific materials, namely oral presentation and monograph, on topics related to the course.

The UP Moodle platform will be used for the management of the curricular unit.

keywords

Technological sciences > Technology > Chemical technology
Technological sciences > Technology > Nanotechonology
Technological sciences > Technology > Materials technology
Physical sciences > Chemistry

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	35,00
Trabalho escrito	20,00
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	10,00
Trabalho laboratorial	25,00
Trabalho prático ou de projeto	10,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	20,00
Estudo autónomo	62,00
Frequência das aulas	44,00
Trabalho escrito	24,00
Trabalho laboratorial	12,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

The students can not miss more than 25% of the laboratory classes.

 

Calculation formula of final grade

Exam: 35% (individual, minimum grade 8.0)

Laboratory reports: 25% (team)

Homework: 10% (individual)

Oral presentation: 10% (team, individual grade)

Written essay: 20% (team)

 

Internship work/project

Not applicable

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Student workers may substitute the practical component by a written essay.

Classification improvement

By final exam