FCK3318 Advanced Surface- and Colloid Chemistry 15.0 credits

The course covers many aspects of surface thermodynamics, surfactant association and phase diagrams, surface forces, colloidal stability and emulsions. The course emphasizes on understanding the molecular interactions that determine the properties of colloidal systems, and provides a deep knowledge of surface and colloid chemistry.
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
- Solutes and Solvent, Self-assembly of amphiphiles
- Surface Chemistry and Monolayers
- Electrostatic interactions in Colloidal Systems
- Structure and Properties of Micelles
- Forces in Colloidal Systems
- Bilayer Systems
- Polymers in Colloidal Systems
- Colloidal Stability
- Colloidal Sols
- Phase Equilibria and Phase Diagrams
- Micro and Macroemulsions
Intended learning outcomes
After completing the course the student should be able to:
- Explain from a macroscopic and molecular perspective key underlying concepts in surface and colloidal chemistry.
- Quantitavely estimate electrostatic and non-electrostatic interactions in colloidal systems
- Provide qualitative molecular interpretations of properties and phenomena in complex surface chemical applications.
- Communicate and critically discuss recent advances in the surface chemistry and colloidal fields.
Course disposition
The course consists of eleven seminars in a lecture / tutorial style followed by a final examination seminar. The course participants should prepare themselves before each seminar by reading the corresponding book chapter and solving the assigned exercises.
In each seminar, the key elements of the corresponding topic will be first summarized and placed in a general context, followed by small group discussions on issues found when solving the assigned problems.
The course will end with a mandatory examination seminar where each student will make a 10 min presentation of a scientific publication in the field (list of articles to choose from to be provided during the course).
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Eligible for studies at the third-cycle level.
Classical thermodynamics and basic surface and colloidal chemistry knowledge.
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
Evans and Wennerström’s book The Colloidal Domain, Second Edition. (Wiley)
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- INL1 - Hand in exercises, 12.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN1 - Oral exam-presentation, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
To approve the course the doctoral student will need to
- successfully present and discuss the selected scientific publication in the examination seminar
- submit all assigned exercises
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course web
Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.
Course web FCK3318Offered by
Main field of study
Education cycle
Add-on studies
Contact
Supplementary information
Studies together with master course KD2340.
The course replaces the course F3B5282.