corso|33610

The course aims to introduce the concepts of the structure of matter and the chemical-physical methods applied to structural characterization focusing on X-ray and Neutron diffraction techniques. Different X-ray diffraction techniques will be introduced such as wide angle X-ray diffraction (EDXD and ADXD) and the small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and their ability to characterize the structure over a wide spatial scale will be demonstrated (covering from interatomic distances to mesoscopic sizes). Accurate knowledge of the theory of X-ray diffraction from an electron, an atom, a set of atoms and finally from a nanoparticle will be developed. The experimental data treatments will be explained with the aim of obtaining information on the structure of systems with different degrees of order: from disordered systems such as liquids, to crystalline and semicrystalline systems, to complex systems organized on the nanometric scale. Furthermore, during the course the different theoretical models for the treatment of experimental data of macromolecular systems (polymers and biomolecules) will be introduced and related applications will be proposed and discussed. Several laboratory experiments will be carried out demonstrating the ability of the X-ray diffraction technique for the structural study of disordered / complex systems. Diverse laboratory experiences will also be proposed to consolidate the theoretical knowledge and gain the practical ability to process experimental data. Through the laboratory experiences, the student will learn to collect diffraction data, will be able to process them, and, by the application of theoretical models, will extract the relevant structural parameters of the system under study. At the end of the course, the student must have acquired skills regarding the general principles of X-ray scattering, the principles of the LAXS and SAXS experiment and the morphological properties of disordered / complex systems. The student will be able to select the most suitable experimental conditions for the study of the proposed systems, demonstrating the ability to apply the acquired skills. Furthermore, the student must know how to argue and defend the chosen options. He will have competence in extracting structural features of complex systems, such as polymer solutions, biomacromolecules solutions and complex fluids. At the end of the course the student must demonstrate the ability to frame the problem in the right context and to select the theoretical models best suited to its qualitative and quantitative resolution. The final test will also evaluate the ability of analysis, synthesis and logical consistency in oral presentation and the ability of the student to communicate in an appropriate language at the level corresponding to Laurea Magistrale. During the course the student will be proposed with scientific reports published in international journals together with the reference texts for further information that will be discussed in the classroom. This approach should favor the ability to learn and the habit of selecting various bibliographic sources, in Italian and in English. It should also stimulate the need for continuous updating, depending, for example, on the development of the Master's degree thesis or research doctorate. Furthermore students will be stimulated to propose selected systems, in order to apply the acquired techniques and correspondingly rationalise the relationship between microscopic features and macroscopic functionality.