Nanochemistry

Code:

Q4090

Acronym:

Q4090

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 Applications in Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
M:ABBS	3	Study plan since academic year 2025/2026	1	-	3	21	81

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.

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

- 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)

This course is a practical/laboratory complement of the course "Bionanotechnology" (1st semester of this MSc.) Prior knowledge on the basics of Nanotechnology is advised but not mandatory. Basic knowledge in Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry.

Program

1. Introduction to Nanochemistry. Case study about an application in this area.

2. Synthesis and characterization of magnetite nanoparticles.

3. Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles and characterization.

4. Synthesis and characterization of stimuli-responsive smart nanomaterials.

5. Caracterization of the prepared nanomaterials by electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, X-ray diffraction and/or magnetometry; image analysis tools.

6. Visit to a cleanroom for the preparation of nanomaterials (MNTEC-CEMUP).

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

Teaching methods and learning activities

Practical classes of synthesis, characterization and application of nanomaterials: the students will work in groups.
Interpretation and discussion of nanomaterials synthesis and characterization results. Resolução de problemas. Other types of homework.
Application of the learnt concepts in the elaboration of original scientific materials, namely oral presentation and monograph, on topics related to the course.

keywords

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

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Trabalho escrito	40,00
Trabalho laboratorial	40,00
Trabalho prático ou de projeto	10,00
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	10,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	10,00
Estudo autónomo	62,00
Trabalho escrito	24,00
Total:	96,00

Eligibility for exams

Not applicable.

Calculation formula of final grade

Laboratory reports: 40% (team)

Homework: 10% (individual)

Written essay: 40% (individual)

Oral presentation: 10% (individual)

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Not applicable.

Classification improvement

Due to the practical nature of the course unit, grade improvement is only possible by attending and repeating all assessment components in the edition of the following academic year.

Observations

Jury: Clara Isabel Barbosa Rodrigues Pereira