MSE 6405: Advanced Nanomaterials
Course Syllabus for Spring 2009
Instructor
Prof. Christopher J. Summers
Physical, Chemical and Biological Processing of Nanomaterials
School of Materials Science and Engineering
Room 168, Love Manufacturing Building
chris.summers@mse.gatech.edu
(404) 385-0697
Course Objectives:
The principal objectives of the course are to: i) introduce advanced processing methods
for synthesizing nanomaterials, ranging from single nanoparticles to three-dimensional
nanostructures, ii) discuss important thermodynamic and kinetic theories related to such
processing, iii) describe methods for characterizing the structure and properties of nanomaterials,
iv) discuss current and emerging applications for nanomaterials, and v) illuminate the impact of
bio-inspired and bio-derived ideas on nano- and related technologies.
The course is divided into three sections. In the first section the processing of
semiconducting, metallic and magnetic nanoparticles and their properties and applications will
be discussed. The second section will present self-assembly methods: biological, chemically selfassembled monolayers, and three-dimensional opals structures. In the third section, directed
methods of assembly, nano-fabrication techniques and nanostructures derived from physical and
chemical deposition techniques will be presented. The range of applications will cover
bio/medical sensing and imaging, micro- and nano-fluidics, tissue engineering, photonic crystals
and optoelectronics. Guest lecturers have been invited to complement the course by presenting
the latest findings in their field of study. Reviews will be given at the end of each section,
principally to present a unified overview of each section, and also for exam preparation.
Grading Policy:
The course grade will be based on:
  Three exams (25% each)
  A research proposal and presentation (25%)
Exams will be given in class at the scheduled time. Homework exercises will be given to
augment lecture notes. While homework will not be graded, it is recommended that students
perform the exercises to better understand the lecture material and as preparation for exams.
Textbook: None. Handouts and suggested reading will be provided.
Academic Integrity: Students are expected to abide by the Georgia Tech Honor Code and
avoid any instances of academic misconduct, including but not limited to: possessing, using, or
exchanging improperly acquired written or oral information in the preparation of a paper or
report or for an exam; substitution of material that is wholly or substantially identical to that
created or published by another individual or individuals; false claims of performance on work
that has been submitted by the student.
Research Proposal and Presentation (MSE 8803B):
Each graduate student will prepare a research proposal on a topic related to nanomaterials
and/or nanotechnology. Each graduate student needs to confirm the topic area of the proposal
with the course instructors before the end of the 6th week of the course (by Feb. 12). The topic
area may not be the subject of the thesis research of any of the graduate student.
The research proposal should: i) Summarize the state of knowledge of the topic, ii) Identify
critical unresolved science and/or technology issues, and iii) Propose specific new research, for a
3 year period, to resolve these critical issues. The proposal text should be organized as follows:
i) Cover Page (with title of proposal and names of co-authors).
ii) Executive Summary (1 page)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
Introduction and Background (8 pages)
Critical Unresolved Issues (5 pages)
Proposed Research (10 pages)
References (numbered sequentially as they are cited in the text)
The proposal must be typed in Times New Roman font (12 point) with double spacing and with
one inch margins (top, bottom, sides). Each page should be numbered at the bottom center of the
page. References should be based largely on peer-reviewed journal, book, or patent citations
(i.e., the reference list should not rely significantly on information obtained from web sites) and
should be presented in the formats shown below.
For journal papers:
1. K. H. Sandhage, M. B. Dickerson, P. M. Huseman, M. A. Caranna, J. D. Clifton, T.
A. Bull, T. J. Heibel, W. R. Overton, M. E. A. Schoenwaelder, “Novel, Bioclastic
Route to Self-Assembled, 3D, Chemically Tailored Meso/Nanostructures: ShapePreserving Reactive Conversion of Biosilica (Diatom) Microshells,” Adv. Mater., 14
[6] 429-433 (2002).
For proceedings papers or book chapters:
2. P. J. Wurm, P. Kumar, K. D. Ralston, M. J. Mills, and K. H. Sandhage, “Fabrication
of Dense, Lightweight, Oxide-Rich, Oxide/Aluminide Composites at 1000°C by the
Displacive Compensation of Porosity (DCP) Process,” pp. 129-139 in Powder
Materials: Current Research and Industrial Practices, Ed. F. D. S. Marquis, N. N.
Thadhani, E. V. Barrera, The Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society, Warrendale,
PA, 2001.
For patents:
3. K. H. Sandhage, R. R. Unocic, M. B. Dickerson, M. Timberlake, K. Guerra, “Method
for Fabricating High-Melting, Wear-Resistant Ceramics and Ceramic Composites at
Low Temperatures, U.S. Patent No. 6,598,656, July 29, 2003.
The research proposals are due by start of class on Tuesday, April 7 (13th week of the course).
Each graduate student will also prepare a 15 minute presentation of their research proposal,
to be conducted on April 16-23 (14th and 15th weeks of course). The presentations must be
prepared as power point slides. Five minutes of questioning will follow each presentation.
Anticipated Cass Schedule
Date
Class #
Jan. 6
1
Jan. 8
Topic
Instructor
Summers
2
Introduction, Class Overview: Nano/Bio
3D Self-Assembly, Applications
Properties of QDs and Nanoparticles
Jan. 13
3
Optical Properties of QDs/Nanoparticles
Summers
Jan. 15
4
Synthesis of QDs and Nanoparticles
Summers
Jan. 20
5
Nanoparticles and Self-Assembly
Summers
Jan. 22
6
Magnetic and Metal Nanoparticles
Garmestani
Jan. 27
7
Bio/Chem. Applications of QDs/NPs
Nie
Jan. 29
8
REVIEW
Summers
Feb. 3
9
Exam #1
Summers
Feb. 5
10
Biological Strategies for Self-Assembly
Summers
Feb. 10
11
Methods of Self-Assembly
Summers
Feb. 12
12
Self-Assembled Monolayers & Applications
Summers
Summers
Confirm topic area of research proposal
Feb. 17
13
Self-Assembled Synthetic Opals I
Summers
Feb. 19
14
Self-Assembled Synthetic Opal II
Summers
Feb. 24
15
DNA Directed Colloidal Assembly
Milam
Feb. 26
16
Infiltrated Opals – Photonic Crystals
Summers
March 3
17
REVIEW
Summers
March 5
18
Exam #2
Summers
March 10
19
Bio-Inspired Optical Systems
Summers
March 12
20
Directed 3D Assembly I: Nano Imprinting
Summers
March 17
Spring Break
March 19
Spring Break
Anticipated Class Schedule (continued)
Date
Class #
Topic
Instructor
March 24
21
Directed 3D Assembly II: 3D Writing
Summers
March 26
22
Characterization of Nanostructures
Gerhardt
March 31
23
Glancing Angle Deposition
Summers
April 2
24
Epitaxial Self-Assembly I: Technique
Summers
April 7
25
Epitaxial Self-Assembly II: Applications
Ferguson
Research proposals are due.
April 9
26
REVIEW
Summers
April 14
27
Exam #3
Summers
April 16
28
Student Presentations and Questions
Summers
April 21
29
Student Presentations and Questions
Summers
April 23
30
Student Presentations and Questions
Summers
April 28
(Final Exam Week)
Invited Guest Speakers currently scheduled:
Professor S. Nie
Professor V. Milam
Professor H. Garmestani
Professor R. Gerhardt
Professor I. Ferguson