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151-0060-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-MATL , D-MAVT , D-ITET

Thermodynamics and Transport Phenomena in Nanotechnology

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Thomas Michael Schutzius, David Taylor
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:07:18

Abstract

The lecture deals with thermodynamics and transport phenomena in nano- and microscale systems. Typical areas of applications are microelectronics manufacturing and cooling, manufacturing of novel materials and coatings, surface technologies, wetting phenomena and related technologies, and micro- and nanosystems and devices.

Objective

The student will acquire fundamental knowledge of interfacial and micro-nanoscale thermofluidics including electric field and light interaction with surfaces. Furthermore, the student will be exposed to a host of applications ranging from superhydrophobic surfaces and microelectronics cooling to solar energy, all of which will be discussed in the context of the course. The student will also judge state-of-the-art scientific research in these areas.

Content

Thermodynamic aspects of intermolecular forces; Interfacial phenomena; Surface tension; Wettability and contact angle; Wettability of Micro/Nanoscale textured surfaces: superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity. Physics of micro- and nanofluidics as well as heat and mass transport phenomena at the nanoscale. Scientific communication and exposure to state-of-the-art scientific research in the areas of Nanotechnology and the Water-Energy Nexus.

Resources

Lecture Notes

yes

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
Programmable calculator (non-transmittable)4 A4 sheets summary (8 A4 pages), no exercises
The course unit and exam were offered for the last time in spring semester 2022.The final exam consists of 2 parts:Part 1 (25% of the grade). The students study a research paper and make an oral presentation from it, with discussion and questions. Mandatory, graded, not doing the presentation results in a grade 1.Part 2 (75% of the grade). The students take a written exam of the course where they solve problems.The final grade is decided by the weighted sum of the above 2 parts.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Thermodynamics and Transport Phenomena in Nanotechnology
  • Wed 14:15-16:00 (ML F 38)
2 h weekly
exercise Thermodynamics and Transport Phenomena in Nanotechnology
  • Thu 08:15-10:00 (ML F 38)
2 h weekly

Offered In