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Micro- and Nanoparticle Technology
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:21
Abstract
Particles are everywhere and nano is the new scale in science & engineering as micro was ~200 years ago. For highly motivated students, this exceptionally demanding class gives a flavor of nanotechnology with hands-on student projects on gas-phase particle synthesis & applications capitalizing on particle dynamics (diffusion, coagulation etc.), shape, size distribution and characterization.
Objective
This course aims to familiarize motivated M/BSc students with some of the basic phenomena of particles at the nanoscale, thereby illustrating the links between physics, chemistry, materials science through hands-on experience. Furthermore it aims to give an overview of the field with motivating lectures from industry and academia, including the development of technologies and processes based on particle technology with introduction to design methods of mechanical processes, scale-up laws and optimal use of materials and energy. Most importantly, this course aims to develop the creativity and sharpen the communication skills of motivated students through their individual projects, a PERFECT preparation for the M/BSc thesis (e.g. efficient & critical literature search, effective oral/written project presentations), the future profession itself and even life, in general, are always there!
Content
The course objectives are best met primarily through the individual student projects which may involve experiments, simulations or critical & quantitative reviews of the literature. Projects are conducted individually under the close supervision of MSc, PhD or post-doctoral students. Therein, a 2-page proposal is submitted within the first two semester weeks addressing explicitly, at least, 10 well-selected research articles and thoughtful meetings with the project supervisor. The proposal address 3 basic questions: a) how important is the project; b) what has been done already in that field and c) what will be done by the student. Detailed feedback on each proposal is given by the supervisor, assistant and professor two weeks later. Towards the end of the semester, a 10-minute oral presentation is given by the student followed by 10 minutes Q&A. A 10-page final report is submitted by noon of the last day of the semester. The project supervisor will provide guidance throughout the course. Lectures include some of the following: - Overview & Project Presentation - Particle Size Distribution - Particle Diffusion - Coagulation - Agglomeration & Coalescence - Particle Growth by Condensation - Control of particle size & structure during gas-phase synthesis - Multi-scale design of aerosol synthesis of particles - Particle Characterization - Aerosol manufacture of nanoparticles - Forces acting on Single Particles in a Flow Field - Fixed and Fluidized Beds - Separations of Solid-Liquid & Solid-Gas systems - Emulsions/droplet formation/microfluidics - Gas Sensors - Coaching for proposal & report writing as well as oral presentations
Resources
Literature
Smoke, Dust and Haze, S.K. Friedlander, Oxford, 2nd ed., 2000 Aerosol Technology, W. Hinds, Wiley, 2nd Edition, 1999. Aerosol Processing of Materials, T. Kodas M. Hampden-Smith, Wiley, 1999. History of the Manufacture of Fine Particles in High-Temperature Aerosol Reactors in Aerosol Science and Technology: History and Reviews, ed. D.S. Ensor & K.N. Lohr, RTI Press, Ch. 18, pp. 475-507, 2011. Flame aerosol synthesis of smart nanostructured materials, R. Strobel, S. E. Pratsinis, J. Mater. Chem., 17, 4743-4756 (2007).
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Micro- and Nanoparticle Technology
Permission from lecturers required for all students.
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2 h weekly |
| exercise |
Micro- and Nanoparticle Technology
Permission from lecturers required for all students.
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Microsystems and Nanoscale Engineering (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Christofer Hierold)
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