Environmental Nanochemistry

3 units

This course involves the study of nanochemistry at various environmental interfaces, focusing on colloid, nanoparticle, and surface reactions. The course would also (1) examine the thermodynamics and kinetics of nanoscale reactions at solid-water interfaces in the presence of inorganic or organic compounds and microorganisms; (2) investigate how nanoscale interfacial reactions affect the fate and transport of contaminants; (3) introduce multidisciplinary techniques for obtaining fundamental information about the structure and reactivity of nanoparticles and thin films, and the speciation or chemical form of environmental pollutants at the molecular scale; (4) explore connections between environmental nanochemistry and environmental kinetic analysis at larger scales. This course will help students attain a better understanding of the relationship between nanoscience/technology and the environment-specifically how nanoscience could potentially lead to better water treatments, more effective contaminated-site remediation, or new energy alternatives. Students enrolling in this course should have a knowledge of general chemistry.