This course is designed to expose students to a variety of concepts in the synthesis, characterization and processing of soft organic electronic materials. New concepts would be introduced, and students will be challenged to critically evaluate these concepts, including experiments that can be used to interrogate these concepts. Organic polymer chemistry with an emphasis on electronically conducting polymers and carbon nanotubes will be the main area of focus. Students would first be introduced to scientific subject matter outside their realm of familiarity and be expected to identify new concepts and links to existing experimental paradigms. The course is divided into two parts, or modules: (i) introduction to nanotechnology and nanoscale electronic organic polymers and electronic devices, and (ii) synthesis and characterization of carbon nanotubes and electronic devices made using carbon nanotubes.

Students will:

1. Become familiar with the general synthesis and processing of major classes of conducting polymers.

2. Become familiar with basic concepts in semiconductor physics, materials used to construct electronic devices, including major processing steps used in the electronics industry.

3. Become familiar with recent advances in carbon nanotube synthesis and technology, including electronic devices constructed using carbon nanotubes.

4. Have read at least 15 journal articles highlighting currents trends in the general area of nanoscale devices and processing.

 

Students are evaluated by their ability to comprehend advanced concepts from current literature and solve problems assigned to them. They will also be evaluated on their ability to read and comprehend their assigned manuscript in class and present to the class immediately during class presentations. In addition, there would be homework assignments would require the use of specialized books from the library, or use of the internet. In addition, students will be evaluated on three exams.

Exams will begin at the beginning of class on the days posted, no one will be allowed in after 10 minutes. If you have a scheduling conflict, make sure that you speak with me several classes in advance.

Each homework assignment must be handed in at the beginning of the class that it is due. I hope and expect that students will study together. But there is a significant difference between studying together and "copying". If two or more students hand in assignments that are, in my estimation "too similar", I will request that the students involved meet with me individually to discuss the assignments in greater detail.

Strong background in chemistry required. Some background in materials process and electronic devices could also be helpful.

The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty. Because the value of an academic degree depends on the absolute integrity of the work done by the student for that degree, it is imperative that the student demonstrate a high standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts or omissions related to applications for enrollment or the award of the degree, and/or the submission of one’s own work of material that is not one's own. As a general rule, scholastic dishonesty involves one of the following acts: cheating, plagiarism, collusion and/or falsifying academic records. Students suspected of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary proceedings.

Students will:

1. Become familiar with the general synthesis and processing of major classes of conducting polymers.

2. Become familiar with basic concepts in semiconductor physics, materials used to construct electronic devices, including major processing steps used in the electronics industry.

3. Become familiar with recent advances in carbon nanotube synthesis and technology, including electronic devices constructed using carbon nanotubes.

4. Have read ~30 journal articles highlighting currents trends in the general area of nanoscale devices and processing.

1. To familiarize students with the structure of engineering materials (metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites) at the atomic and microstructural levels.
2. To familiarize students with the relationships between structure and properties for engineering materials.
3. To familiarize students with the relationships between engineering materials properties and processing.

To be discussed in coming weeks.

1. Develop the creative and critical thinking skills essential in identifying, structuring, and solving complex problems.
2. Firmly ground students in the fundamentals of mathematics, the basic sciences, and the engineering sciences necessary to pursue a successful career in civil engineering.

1. Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering.
2. Ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems.

 

Students will:

1. Become familiar with the general synthesis and processing of major classes of conducting polymers.

2. Become familiar with basic concepts in semiconductor physics, materials used to construct electronic devices, including major processing steps used in the electronics industry.

3. Become familiar with recent advances in carbon nanotube synthesis and technology, including electronic devices constructed using carbon nanotubes.

4. Have read ~30 journal articles highlighting currents trends in the general area of nanoscale devices and processing.