2024
Functional Materials
Name: Functional Materials
Code: QUI13527M
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Chemistry
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
The aim of the course is to provide an overview of functional materials and highlight their applications, particularly in medicine, biology, energy and environment. Emphasis will be given to aspects of the relationship between chemical structure, their properties and mode of action.
The curricular unit will allow the acquisition of the following skills: a) to know the fundamental principles of chemistry applied to these materials; b) associate the wide variety of existing material types with their application; c) understand the importance of functional materials in the context of current societal challenges; d) ability to plan and carry out experimental work in this area; e) search, compile relevant information and present works within the scope of the syllabus; f) integration into research.
The curricular unit will allow the acquisition of the following skills: a) to know the fundamental principles of chemistry applied to these materials; b) associate the wide variety of existing material types with their application; c) understand the importance of functional materials in the context of current societal challenges; d) ability to plan and carry out experimental work in this area; e) search, compile relevant information and present works within the scope of the syllabus; f) integration into research.
Contents
Concept of functional materials. Overview of functional materials and their applications.
Solar energy: photovoltaic, thermophotovoltaic and photoelectrochemical cells. Molecules for Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
Hydrogen production and storage: electrolytic production and storage methods. Fuel cells: hydrocarbon processing and alternative fuels. Lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors.
Materials for optoelectronics and photonics, electro- and photochromic materials, molecular switching, luminescent materials.
Chemical sensors and biosensors. Biomolecular labeling.
Intelligent controlled drug and other substances delivery materials. Biomaterials.
Materials for chemical and photocatalytic decomposition of organic compounds and removal of pollutants.
Solar energy: photovoltaic, thermophotovoltaic and photoelectrochemical cells. Molecules for Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
Hydrogen production and storage: electrolytic production and storage methods. Fuel cells: hydrocarbon processing and alternative fuels. Lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors.
Materials for optoelectronics and photonics, electro- and photochromic materials, molecular switching, luminescent materials.
Chemical sensors and biosensors. Biomolecular labeling.
Intelligent controlled drug and other substances delivery materials. Biomaterials.
Materials for chemical and photocatalytic decomposition of organic compounds and removal of pollutants.
Teaching Methods
Teaching is based on theoretical (T), theoretical-practical (TP) and laboratory (PL) classes. In T classes the concepts about the contents of the curricular unit are presented following mainly an expositive methodology, but with many moments of discussion and interactivity. TP classes aim to the development and consolidation of competences, through the analysis, debate and resolution of challenging questions. In PL classes will be applied the subject taught to concrete practical situations, whenever possible within the scope of research projects. Students are further encouraged to integrate and apply knowledge through information gathering, analysis and discussion of a selected theme within the program.
Continuous assessment is made by performing frequency tests (60%), laboratory performance (20%) and analysis and discussion of a selected topic (20%). In the final evaluation scheme, the student performs an exam (80%) to which the laboratory performance is added (20%).
Continuous assessment is made by performing frequency tests (60%), laboratory performance (20%) and analysis and discussion of a selected topic (20%). In the final evaluation scheme, the student performs an exam (80%) to which the laboratory performance is added (20%).
