Course overview
The field of two dimensional (2D) materials has seen exponential growth since the isolation of graphene, a single atomic layer of carbon atoms in 2004. The course will describe how a number of key aspects of the broader field of nanomaterials are applied to study 2D materials, including methods of production such as liquid phase exfoliation, characterisation techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy, and the production of nano-electronic and nano-composite structures. The course will cover fundamental and applied concepts of 2D materials engineering, and will be delivered through a combination of lectures and tutorials. The course should highlight the significance of emerging 2D materials in modern society, and contextualise the selection of engineering materials on the basis of their characteristics and end use applications.
Course learning outcomes
- Understand the basics of 2D materials: Grasp fundamental concepts and classifications of 2D materials. Explore the structure, properties, and applications of these materials.
- Gain in-depth knowledge of graphene-related materials: Acquire comprehensive knowledge about graphene-related materials such as graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, pristine graphene, and functionalized graphene. Understand their discovery, structures, properties, and preparation methods.
- Gain in-depth on commercial applications of graphene: Gain insights into the latest commercial applications of graphene-related materials. Learn how these materials address significant global challenges across various fields.
- Understand the manufacturing and industrialization of Graphene: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the manufacturing processes of graphene materials. Explore their industrial applications in sectors such as electronics, energy storage, composites, protective coatings, health, defence, and the space industry.
- In-Depth Understanding of Selected 2D Materials: Develop comprehensive knowledge of selected 2D materials such as MoSâ, hBN, and MXenes, focusing on their properties, preparation methods, and emerging applications.
- Practical experience with graphene exfoliation techniques: Gain practical lab experience in exfoliating graphene from graphite materials using mechanical methods.
- Practical experience on characterization of key properties in 2D materials: Acquire practical lab experience in determining key properties of 2D materials, including microscopy, conductivity, dispersibility in different solvents, and dispersion stability, relevant to their applications.
- Practical experience on chemical characterization of graphene-related materials: Conduct practical lab experiments on the chemical characterization of graphene-related materials using Raman Spectroscopy to assess their quality.
- Practical experience on graphene-based adsorbents for water purification: Gain hands-on experience in the characterization of graphene-based adsorbents for water purification, specifically targeting the removal of organic dyes.
- Practical experience on development and characterization of graphene-based gas Sensors: Engage in practical lab activities to create graphene-based gas sensors and evaluate their sensing performance for specific gases such as ethanol and methanol.