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4.17. Materials Science and Nanotechnology (MSN)

This knowledge area explores the synthesis, characterization, and application of advanced materials at the macro, micro, and nano scales. It covers nanofabrication techniques, advanced characterization tools, and the development of functional materials for energy and smart engineering applications.

Knowledge Area (KA)	Core Tier1	Core Tier2
4.17.1 Synthesis of Nanomaterials and Nanofabrication	Elective
4.17.2 Characterization of Materials (XRD, SEM, TEM)	Elective
4.17.3 Energy Storage and Conversion Materials	Elective

4.17.1. MSN/Synthesis of Nanomaterials and Nanofabrication ↑ Back to top

Bottom-up and top-down approaches for producing engineering nanomaterials, including chemical vapor deposition, sol-gel processes, and lithography.
Topics:
Core

• Bottom-up synthesis: sol-gel, self-assembly, and chemical bath deposition for engineering nanomaterials
• Top-down nanofabrication: photolithography, electron-beam lithography, and milling
• Physical and chemical vapor deposition (PVD and CVD) for engineering thin film production
• Thermodynamics and kinetics of nucleation and crystal growth at the nanoscale
• Surface functionalization and stabilization of engineering nanoparticles

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Describe the fundamental differences between bottom-up and top-down nanofabrication routes [Familiarity]
2. Synthesize nanoparticles using wet-chemical methods and characterize their size distribution [Usage]
3. Evaluate the suitability of CVD versus PVD for producing high-purity engineering thin films [Assessment]
4. Optimize reaction conditions to control the size and morphology of engineering nanostructures [Usage]

4.17.2. MSN/Characterization of Materials (XRD, SEM, TEM) ↑ Back to top

Advanced analytical techniques for probing the structural, morphological, and elemental properties of engineering materials.
Topics:
Core

• X-ray diffraction (XRD) for crystal structure determination and phase identification in engineering materials
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface morphology and failure analysis
• Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for internal structure and defect imaging in engineering materials
• Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) for elemental composition mapping
• Atomic force microscopy (AFM) for surface roughness and nanomechanical property measurement

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Explain Bragg's Law and its application in identifying phases in engineering material XRD patterns [Familiarity]
2. Interpret SEM micrographs to assess surface morphology and fracture modes in engineering materials [Usage]
3. Analyze TEM images to identify dislocations, grain boundaries, and phases in engineering alloys [Assessment]
4. Perform elemental quantification using EDS to verify composition of engineering multi-component materials [Usage]

4.17.3. MSN/Energy Storage and Conversion Materials ↑ Back to top

Chemistry and physics of materials used in batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, and photovoltaic devices for engineering energy systems.
Topics:
Core

• Lithium-ion batteries: electrode materials, electrolytes, and degradation mechanisms
• Photovoltaic materials: silicon-based, perovskite, and third-generation solar cells
• Supercapacitors: electric double-layer and pseudocapacitive materials for power engineering
• Fuel cell components: proton exchange membranes and electrocatalysts for energy engineering
• Solid-state hydrogen storage materials for engineering energy carrier systems

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Describe charge-discharge mechanisms in lithium-ion batteries and relate them to engineering performance [Familiarity]
2. Evaluate the advantages and stability challenges of perovskite solar cells for engineering deployment [Assessment]
3. Design electrode architectures for enhanced supercapacitor energy density in engineering power systems [Usage]
4. Analyze the efficiency and durability of electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen reactions in fuel cells [Assessment]