Physics and Chemistry of Surfaces
Code: 106818 ECTS Credits: 6| Degree | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Nanoscience and Nanotechnology | OB | 3 |
Contact
- Name:
- Gemma Garcia Alonso
- Email:
- gemma.garcia@uab.cat
Teachers
- Xavier Solans Monfort
Teaching groups languages
You can view this information at the end of this document.
Prerequisites
None
Objectives and Contextualisation
The objective of this course is to introduce students to the highly relevant and interdisciplinary field of surface science, which lies at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and engineering.
The course will provide a detailed description of the surface structure of solids and its modification, as well as the main surface characterization techniques from structural, morphological, microstructural, and compositional perspectives.
It will cover the fundamental aspects of physicochemical phenomena occurring at liquid-gas, solid-liquid, solid-gas, and solid-solid interfaces. To address these topics, prior knowledge of chemistry and thermodynamics will be applied, particularly in relation to surface phenomena, interfaces, and heterogeneous catalysis.
Learning Outcomes
- CM18 (Competence) Solve problems resulting from the nanoscale by using calculation and simulation tools.
- CM20 (Competence) Assess the social, economic and environmental impact using nanomaterials and associated devices.
- CM21 (Competence) Acknowledge the contribution women have made to the study of nanoscale phenomena.
- KM30 (Knowledge) Describe the fundamental chemical-physical phenomena involved in creating, modifying, interacting and characterising surfaces and interfaces.
- SM29 (Skill) Propose suitable techniques to characterise the structure, microstructure and composition of nanomaterials and nano-systems.
- SM31 (Skill) Design nanomaterials and nano-systems that suit different technological specifications and uses.
Content
Topic 1. Introduction to surfaces
1.1. Concept and characteristics of surfaces
1.2. Importance and applications
1.3. Historical evolution
Topic 2. Structure of ideal solid surfaces
2.1. Structure, energy, and stability of surfaces
2.2. Relaxation and reconstruction
2.3. Surface notation
2.4. Structure of surfaces with adsorbates
Topic 3. Surface analysis and characterization techniques
3.1. Physical foundations of radiation-matter interaction
3.2. Diffraction and surface ordering techniques
3.3. Surface chemical characterization techniques
3.4. Microstructural characterization techniques
3.5. Applications and practical examples
Topic 4. Surface phenomena
4.1. Surface tension and surface free energy
4.2. Curved surfaces (Laplace and Kelvin equations)
4.3. Methods for measuring surface tension
Topic 5. Surface and interfacial tension
5.1. Surface tension in aqueous solutions
5.2. Gibbs isotherm
5.3. Work of adhesion and cohesion
5.4. Contact angle and Young’s equation
5.5. Wettability
5.6. Detergency by surfactants
Topic 6. Adsorption phenomena
6.1. Definitions and gas/solid interaction
6.2. Adsorption isotherms (Langmuir, Temkin, Freundlich, BET)
6.3. Evaluation of specific surface area and pore size
Topic 7. Interaction of liquids with solids
7.1. Charged interfaces
7.2. Electrostatic models: Helmholtz-Perrin, Gouy-Chapman, Stern
7.3. Electrokinetic phenomena: electrochemistry and corrosion
Topic 8. Heterogeneous catalysis
8.1. Introduction to catalysis and types of catalysts
8.2. Kinetics of heterogeneous catalysis (temperature effects, Langmuir-Hinshelwood and Eley-Rideal models)
8.3. Industrial examples: cracking, reforming, catalyticoxidation
Activities and Methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type: Directed | |||
| Practice Activities | 10 | 0.4 | |
| Problem solving | 14 | 0.56 | |
| Theory letures | 28 | 1.12 | |
| tutorized learning | 12 | 0.48 | |
| Type: Autonomous | |||
| Individual study | 36 | 1.44 | |
| Practice guides reading and preparation | 6 | 0.24 | |
| Practice report | 12 | 0.48 | |
| Problems solving | 26 | 1.04 |
Methodologies
The course consists of 28 hours of theoretical lectures, 14 hours of problem-solving sessions, and three laboratory practice sessions.
The teaching and learning methodologies include theoretical classes, problem-solving, laboratory work in pairs, research paper writing, autonomous and self-assessment activities, as well as personalized tutoring upon request — a highly recommended educational resource — and are complemented by specific bibliography related to the course syllabus.
Tutoring
The teaching staff will be available to answer students’ questions. The use of this educational resource is strongly encouraged.
Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.
Assessment
Continous Assessment Activities
| Title | Weighting | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Parcial Test | 40 | 3 | 0.12 | CM18, KM30, SM29 |
| Group Problem Solution Report | 10 | 0 | 0 | CM18, CM20, CM21, KM30, SM29, SM31 |
| Practice solution report | 10 | 0 | 0 | CM18, KM30, SM29 |
| Secon Test | 40 | 3 | 0.12 | CM18, KM30, SM29 |
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT
To qualify for continuous assessment, students must:
- Complete two mandatory midterm exams, each accounting for 40% of the final grade.
- Submit the laboratory report —from the Chemistry lab— which will count for 10% of the final grade.
- Submit a report on a research project in surface science. This activity represents 10% of the final grade.
SINGLE ASSESSMENT
Students who choose the single assessment option must:
- Complete the Chemistry lab sessions and submit the corresponding report at least 48 hours before the scheduled date of the second midterm of the continuous assessment. This report will count for 10% of the final grade.
- Complete an individual practical assignment on XPS. The corresponding report will count for 10% of the final grade.
- Submit a report on a research project in surface science. This activity represents 10% of the final grade.
- Take a final exam covering the entire theoretical and problem-solving syllabus. This exam will take place on the same day as the second midterm of the continuous assessment and will account for 70% of the final grade.
REQUIREMENTS TO PASS
To pass the course, whether through continuous or single assessment, students must:
- Obtain a minimum score of 5 in the average of the two midterms or in the final synthesis exam.
- Achieve an overall grade equal to or greater than 5.0 out of 10.
If these requirements are not met but the student obtains a grade equal to or greater than 3.5, they will be entitled to a resit exam. This final exam will allow the student to pass the course with a grade of 5.0 out of 10. In the case of students under continuous assessment, they may retain the grade of any midterm exam, provided it is equal to or greater than 5.0 out of 10.
PLAGIARISM OR FRAUDULENT CONDUCT
If a student commits any irregularity that could significantly affect the evaluation grade, the activity will be graded with a 0, regardless of any disciplinary action that may follow. If multiple irregularities are detected in the same course, the final grade will be 0.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is allowed in this course as part of the development of assignments, provided that the final result reflects a significant contribution from the student in terms of analysis and personal reflection. The student must: (i) identify which parts were generated using AI; (ii) specify the tools used; and (iii) include a critical reflection on how these tools influenced the process and final outcome. Lack of transparency in the use of AI in this graded activity will be considered academic dishonesty and will result in a grade of 0, which cannot be recovered, or more severe sanctions in serious cases.
Bibliography
- Surface Analysis –The Principal Techniques 2nd Edition Editors JOHN C. VICKERMAN Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre,University of Manchester, U. S. GILMORE National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK: https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/avjcib/alma991010344842806709
- K. Hermann. Crystallography and Surface Structure - 2e An Introduction for Surface Scientists and Nanoscientists; Wiley-VCH Verlag GmBH. ISBN: 978-3-527-33970-9, 978-3-527-69712-0, 978-3-527-69713-7, 978-3-527-69714-4.
- G.T. Barnes, I.R. Gentle, Interfacial Science: an introduction (2on ed.), 2010 Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0-19-657118-5
- H.-J. Butt, K. Graf, M.Kappl, Physics and Chemistry of Interfaces, 2003 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. ISBN 3-527-40413-9. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1pvhgf7/alma991010342940306709
- G. A. Somorjai, Fundamentos de química de superficies, versión española de J.A. Rodríguez Renuncio, 1975 Ed. Alhambra
- J. Bard, L. R. Faulkner, Electrochemical Methods: Fundamentals and Applications (2on ed.) 2001 John Wiley and Sons, ISBN: 978-0471043720
- P. Atkins, J. De Paula, Química Física. 8ª ed. 2008. Ed. Médica Panamericana. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/avjcib/alma991009090709706709
- M.E. Davis, R.J. Davis, Fundamentals of chemical reaction engineering. Chapter 5 - Heterogeneous Catalysis-.McGraw-Hill Higher Education , NewYork. (2003). https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/avjcib/alma991010342206306709
- E. Otero, Corrosión y degradación de materiales. Editorial Síntesis
Software
NONE
Groups and Languages
Please note that this information is provisional until 30 November 2025. You can check it through this link. To consult the language you will need to enter the CODE of the subject.
| Name | Group | Language | Semester | Turn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (PAUL) Classroom practices | 1 | Catalan | first semester | afternoon |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 1 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 2 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 3 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (TE) Theory | 1 | Catalan | first semester | afternoon |