Nanochemistry: Synthesis, Properties & Analysis

Learning Goal: This curriculum provides a rigorous introduction to the chemistry of nanomaterials. By the end of this course, you will understand how the physical scale of nanomaterials shapes their chemical and physical behaviors, how to synthesize nanoparticles using both top-down and bottom-up chemical and physical pathways, and how to analyze nanomaterial size, morphology, and crystal structure using state-of-the-art characterization techniques.

• Prerequisites: General Chemistry, introductory organic molecular bonding, and basic physics (wave-particle duality, basic optics).
• Estimated Total Study Time: 15 hours

Module 1: Foundations of the Nanoscale

This module establishes the physical and mathematical boundaries of the nanoscale (typically 1–100 nanometers). You will explore how scale transitions affect fundamental properties, with a heavy emphasis on the dramatic increase in the surface-area-to-volume ratio. This physical scaling law alters surface energy, thermodynamic stability, and chemical reactivity, distinguishing nanomaterials from their bulk counterparts.

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Introduction to Nanomaterials - Nanoscience and Nanotechnology - Engineering Physics 2

@Ekeeda04:0253,743

Introduction to Nanomaterials - Nanoscience and Nanotechnology - Engineering Physics 2

Nanomaterials are materials with particles in the nanometer scale (10^-9 meters), where one nanometer equals one billionth of a meter and is ten times larger than an angstrom (10^-10 meters); nanoscience studies the behavior of these materials, while nanotechnology involves fabricating structures at this scale.

@Ekeeda · 04:02

• Why this video is valuable: This lecture sets the physical groundwork by defining nanoscale dimensions ($10^{-9}$ meters) in comparison to atomic scales (Angstroms) and bulk systems. It clarifies how quantum and surface-dominated regimes govern nanostructured matter.
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Define the nanoscale range and relate it mathematically to meters and Angstroms.
  • Understand why materials constrained to the 1–100 nm limit transition from bulk behavior to quantum/surface-dominated behavior.

Surface to Volume Ratio// Dr. Kalyanjyoti Deori// NanoScience & Nanotechnology// Part 1

@kalyanjyotideori21:281,945

Surface to Volume Ratio// Dr. Kalyanjyoti Deori// NanoScience & Nanotechnology// Part 1

Nanomaterials possess a significantly higher surface-to-volume ratio compared to bulk materials because when a given volume of material is divided into smaller particles, the surface area increases proportionally. This occurs because smaller particles have a greater proportion of atoms located at their surfaces rather than within the interior. For example, dividing a cube into eight smaller cubes of equal volume increases the total surface area while keeping the mass constant. This high surface-

@kalyanjyotideori · 21:28

• Why this video is valuable: Dr. Deori delivers a thorough, highly quantitative lecture showing how splitting a bulk crystal into smaller nanoparticles exponentially increases exposed surface atoms. This serves as the key mathematical driver behind nanoscale surface chemical reactions and thermodynamic shifts.
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Perform geometric calculations showing the change in surface-area-to-volume ratio ($S/V$) as a macro-material is subdivided down to 10 nm cubes or spheres.
  • Explain how a high ratio of surface-bound atoms leads to coordinative unsaturation and elevated surface energy.

What are nanoparticles and nanomaterials ?

@MINATEC03:2581,678

What are nanoparticles and nanomaterials ?

Nanoparticles are particles that are one billion times smaller than humans, ranging from 10 to 1,000 times larger than oxygen molecules; they naturally exist as ultra-fine dust in ambient air and can increase dramatically during combustion events. Scientists have developed methods to produce various types of nanoparticles for creating nanomaterials with unique properties applicable in transportation, healthcare, energy, and construction. The controllability of nanoparticles varies by state: powd

@MINATEC · 03:25

• Why this video is valuable: Offers an excellent introductory visualization that places nanoparticles alongside organic molecules, cellular entities, and fine dust, making scale intuitive for incoming chemists.
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Differentiate between natural ultrafine particles (such as ambient dust) and engineered nanomaterials.
  • Identify where nanoparticles fall on the size scale relative to basic small molecules (like water or oxygen) and cells.

Module 2: Size-Dependent Physical & Optical Properties

At the nanoscale, physical dimensions directly dictate electronic and optical properties. In this module, you will learn about quantum confinement—where shrinking a semiconductor's size increases its band gap—and study Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR), which drives the intense color changes of colloidal gold and silver nanoparticles.

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Quantum Confinement - Quantum Confinement in Nanomaterials

@TheUltimatePhysicsChannel13:2547,974

Quantum Confinement - Quantum Confinement in Nanomaterials

Quantum confinement is a fundamental phenomenon where the size reduction of materials to the nanoscale causes free electrons to become confined within dimensions comparable to their de Broglie wavelength, resulting in discrete quantized energy levels rather than continuous bands; this size-dependent effect dramatically alters the optical, electrical, and mechanical properties of nanomaterials by enabling tunable band gaps through precise control of particle dimensions.

@TheUltimatePhysicsChannel · 13:25

• Why this video is valuable: Delves into quantum mechanics to explain what happens when the physical dimensions of a solid approach or fall below the de Broglie wavelength of its charge carriers (electrons and holes). It details the transition from continuous energy bands to discrete energy levels.
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Explain the concept of the Bohr exciton radius and its role in quantum confinement.
  • Describe the structural and electronic differences between bulk energy bands and the discrete, atom-like energy levels of zero-dimensional quantum dots.

Band gap of nano materials #bandgap#nano#materials

@physicsfreak356706:2420,195

Band gap of nano materials #bandgap#nano#materials

When bulk materials are reduced to nanoscale dimensions (1-100 nm), the band gap—the energy difference between the valence and conduction bands—increases due to quantum confinement effects, which fundamentally alters the electrical and optical properties of semiconductors for optoelectronic applications.

@physicsfreak3567 · 06:24

• Why this video is valuable: Directly relates size reduction to band gap widening. You will learn why blue-shifting occurs in nanomaterial absorption and emission spectra, which is crucial for tuning semiconductor quantum dots for light-emitting displays or solar cell designs.
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Explain why shrinking a semiconductor nanoparticle's physical size widens its effective band gap.
  • Predict the optical shift (blue-shift vs. red-shift) in emission when quantum dots decrease in diameter.

Nanomanufacturing: 11 - Surface plasmon resonance

@mechanosynthesis01:18:2670,523

Nanomanufacturing: 11 - Surface plasmon resonance

Surface plasmon resonance is a phenomenon where free electrons in metal nanoparticles oscillate collectively in response to incident light, creating strong electromagnetic field enhancements that depend on particle size, shape, and local dielectric environment; this effect enables applications in biosensing, imaging, lithography, and photothermal therapy, as demonstrated by the ability to detect single molecules through spectral shifts and focus light beyond the diffraction limit.

@mechanosynthesis · 01:18:26

• Why this video is valuable: An advanced, rigorous academic lecture that provides the complete electromagnetic background of surface plasmon resonance (SPR). It explains how incident light drives the collective oscillation of free conduction electrons in metallic nanoparticles.
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Define Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) in metal nanoparticles.
  • Explain how size, shape, and surrounding dielectric medium control the plasmon resonance frequency of noble metal (Au, Ag) colloids.

Ruby Red Colloidal Gold

@FlinnScientific00:42147,393

Ruby Red Colloidal Gold

The characteristic ruby red color of colloidal gold nanoparticles is caused by surface plasmon resonance (SPR), not by normal light absorption. In SPR, electrons on the surface of gold nanoparticles oscillate collectively and resonate with incoming light energy, causing the distinctive coloration. This phenomenon explains why gold nanoparticles appear red rather than the typical metallic gold color.

@FlinnScientific · 00:42

• Why this video is valuable: This quick demonstration showcases the physical manifestation of LSPR, showing how and why nanoscale gold suspended in water appears brilliant ruby red rather than gold.
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Connect the visual color changes of colloidal gold directly to the selective absorption and scattering of light by surface plasmons.

Module 3: Synthesis Methods: Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up

To synthesize nanomaterials, chemists use two opposite paradigms. This module teaches you the physical, high-energy methods used in top-down pathways (such as ball milling, photolithography, and etching) and the chemical control required for bottom-up approaches (including sol-gel conversion, wet chemical reduction, and green plant-extract-mediated synthesis).

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Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches| NANO ODYSSEY SERIES | EP 03 |

@keenandcurious12308:3030,430

Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches| NANO ODYSSEY SERIES | EP 03 |

Nanotechnology employs two fundamental approaches for synthesizing nanomaterials: the top-down approach involves breaking down larger materials (micrometer to centimeter scale) into nano-sized particles using techniques like mechanical milling, lithography, laser ablation, and arc discharge, making it ideal for mass production; while the bottom-up approach builds nanostructures atom-by-atom or molecule-by-molecule through chemical reactions such as sol-gel processes, reduction-oxidation reaction

@keenandcurious123 · 08:30

• Why this video is valuable: Provides a clear engineering overview contrasting physical size reduction (top-down) with atom-by-atom chemical assembly (bottom-up), framing the chemical advantages of each path.
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Contrast top-down fabrication with bottom-up self-assembly in terms of cost, scalability, and defect rates.
  • Give classic examples of both pathways (e.g., lithography vs. chemical precipitation).

Nanotechnology Lecture 12 | Top-Down Nanofabrication: Ball Milling, Lithography & Etching

@STEMwithDrTiwari16:502,255

Nanotechnology Lecture 12 | Top-Down Nanofabrication: Ball Milling, Lithography & Etching

Top-down nanofabrication transforms bulk materials into nanoscale structures through mechanical reduction and pattern-based techniques; ball milling uses high-energy collisions to refine grain sizes to 5-100 nm by inducing severe plastic deformation and dislocation multiplication, while lithography (including photolithography, electron-beam lithography, and ion-beam lithography) defines nanoscale patterns with resolutions from 13.5 nm to sub-10 nm, followed by etching (wet or dry) that transfers

@STEMwithDrTiwari · 16:50

• Why this video is valuable: Corrects a key educational gap on physical top-down processes. Dr. Tiwari explains the mechanics of high-energy ball milling, micro-mechanical grinding, and the chemical etching steps used in photolithographic wafer processing.
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Explain how high-energy ball milling uses mechanical shear and collision forces to reduce grain size down to the nanoscale.
  • Describe the photolithography process, identifying the roles of photoresist masks, UV illumination, and solvent etching.

Sol Gel method for nano metal oxide synthesis

@DrMANJUNATHACHANNEGOWDA13:02109,722

Sol Gel method for nano metal oxide synthesis

The sol-gel method is a wet chemistry technique for synthesizing nano metal oxides that involves three main steps: (1) hydrolysis of metal alkoxides in alcohol-water mixture to form metal hydroxide colloidal particles (sol), (2) aging of the sol to allow condensation/polymerization reactions forming a metal-oxygen-metal network (gel), and (3) drying and calcination to extract the final nano metal oxide material; water acts as a nucleophile in the hydrolysis reaction, replacing alkoxide groups wi

@DrMANJUNATHACHANNEGOWDA · 13:02

• Why this video is valuable: An academic deep dive into wet chemical bottom-up synthesis. It explains the molecular transformations that occur when precursor monomers undergo hydrolysis and condensation to form a 3D network (gel) from a liquid suspension (sol).
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Map out the chemistry of sol-gel synthesis, identifying the hydrolysis and condensation reactions of metal alkoxide precursors.
  • State how aging, drying, and calcination parameters dictate final oxide structure and porosity.

Preparation of Nano by Chemical Reduction Method by Dr. T Dhananjay Rao

@iarehyderabad25:03672

Preparation of Nano by Chemical Reduction Method by Dr. T Dhananjay Rao

The chemical reduction method is a bottom-up approach for synthesizing metal nanoparticles where metal salt solutions (precursors) are treated with reducing agents and stabilizing agents to produce nanoparticles; for example, silver nanoparticles are synthesized using silver nitrate as the precursor, hydrazine hydrate as the reducing agent, and sodium dodecyl sulfate or sodium citrate as stabilizing agents, resulting in particles sized 15-48 nm that change color from colorless to pale yellow to

@iarehyderabad · 25:03

• Why this video is valuable: Focuses on wet chemical reduction of metal precursor salts to form colloidal metal nanoparticles. It highlights how reducing agents drive reaction kinetics and how capping agents prevent uncontrolled particle aggregation.
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Explain the roles of precursor metal salts, reducing agents (such as sodium borohydride), and capping/stabilizing molecules during wet synthesis.
  • Outline how the balance between the nucleation rate and the crystal growth rate dictates the final nanoparticle size distribution.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Leaf Extract - InstaNANO

@Instanano03:00151,376

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Leaf Extract - InstaNANO

Silver nanoparticles can be synthesized using a green chemistry approach by boiling fresh plant leaves (such as pandan, bottle brush, or limply) in deionized water at 80°C to create a leaf extract that acts as both a reducing and capping agent; this extract is then added dropwise to a heated silver nitrate solution (60-70°C) until a light yellow color appears, indicating successful nanoparticle formation.

@Instanano · 03:00

• Why this video is valuable: Showcases green biosynthesis, illustrating how organic molecules found in plant extracts serve as non-toxic, eco-friendly reducing and capping agents for silver nanoparticle synthesis.
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Identify which organic biomolecules in plant extracts (such as polyphenols or flavonoids) act as reducing agents.
  • Explain why biological "green synthesis" is preferred over conventional wet chemical reduction for biomedical applications.

Module 4: Characterization Techniques for Nanoparticles

Because nanoparticles are too small for optical microscopes, researchers use specialized instruments to analyze them. This module covers electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) for visualizing morphology, X-ray diffraction (XRD) for checking crystalline phases and grain size, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) for measuring hydrodynamic diameter, and UV-Vis spectroscopy for optical profiling.

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Electron Microscopes : SEM and TEM

@learnersisland296904:37910

Electron Microscopes : SEM and TEM

Electron microscopes overcome the 200nm resolution limit of light microscopes by using electron beams instead of visible light, enabling visualization of structures as small as 0.1nm; Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) produce 3D surface images with easier sample preparation, while Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM) generate 2D internal images with higher resolution but require complex sample preparation.

@learnersisland2969 · 04:37

• Why this video is valuable: This animation clearly explains how electron microscopes overcome the optical diffraction limit of light. It details the mechanical and physical differences between Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Explain why electron beams provide a sub-nanometer resolution that is impossible with visible light.
  • Differentiate between SEM (surface topography, backscattered/secondary electrons) and TEM (transmitted electron absorption, inner structures).

XRD (X Ray diffraction) #characterization technique #nanomaterials

@hydeduhub334112:246,891

XRD (X Ray diffraction) #characterization technique #nanomaterials

X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a characterization technique that analyzes material structural properties by measuring how X-rays diffract off crystalline materials according to Bragg's Law (2D sinθ = nλ), where D is interplanar spacing, θ is the glancing angle, and λ is the X-ray wavelength; it can determine crystallite size using the Scherrer formula (D = 0.9λ/βcosθ), measure strain, and identify crystal structures by analyzing diffraction peak positions and widths, but cannot provide information a

@hydeduhub3341 · 12:24

• Why this video is valuable: Connects crystal lattice structures to analytical X-ray diffraction profiles. It explains how to determine structural parameters using Bragg's Law and calculate crystallite domain sizes.
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Write down Bragg's Law and explain how it relates X-ray wavelength, lattice spacing, and diffraction angle ($2\theta$).
  • Explain how crystallite grain size causes peak broadening in XRD profiles and how to calculate this using the Scherrer equation.

Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) for Particle Size Analysis Basics

@MalvernPanalytical19:2481,323

Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) for Particle Size Analysis Basics

Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), also known as photon correlation spectroscopy or quasi elastic light scattering, is a non-invasive technique that measures particle size by detecting the rate of intensity fluctuations in scattered light caused by Brownian motion; smaller particles diffuse faster and produce rapid intensity fluctuations, while larger particles diffuse more slowly and produce slower fluctuations, allowing the hydrodynamic size (the diameter of a hard sphere diffusing at the same ra

@MalvernPanalytical · 19:24

• Why this video is valuable: A thorough industry guide to Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). It explains how measuring the Brownian motion of particles in suspension allows you to calculate their hydrodynamic size distribution.
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Describe how DLS translates scattered light intensity fluctuations into a particle diffusion coefficient.
  • Explain the physical difference between a particle's core size (measured by TEM) and its hydrodynamic size (measured by DLS).

UV-Vis Tutorial | Part 1: Intro to Measuring Nanoparticles

@nanocomposix09:45100,269

UV-Vis Tutorial | Part 1: Intro to Measuring Nanoparticles

UV-Vis spectroscopy measures the absorbance of nanoparticle solutions across ultraviolet and visible light wavelengths to determine material properties, nanoparticle size, and sample quality; the technique requires blanking the instrument with the dispersing solvent to account for background absorption, and optimal measurements require diluting concentrated samples to achieve an absorbance of approximately 0.8-1.1 OD for clear, defined spectral peaks.

@nanocomposix · 09:45

• Why this video is valuable: Demonstrates how UV-Vis spectroscopy can be used as a simple and fast screening tool. It shows how changes in absorption profiles reveal shifts in nanoparticle size, concentrations, and aggregation states.
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Explain how UV-Vis absorbance spectra reveal the aggregation state of a nanoparticle suspension.
  • Describe why the absorption peak wavelength shifts when nanoparticles grow in size.

Module 5: Novel Carbon Nanomaterials & Real-World Applications

This module explores carbon allotropes, such as $sp^2$-hybridized graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and reviews real-world applications of nanotechnology. You will learn about gas-phase CVD synthesis, nanoparticle-based targeted drug delivery in medicine, and titanium dioxide ($TiO_2$) photocatalysis for environmental cleanups.

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2.6. Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes - ATOMSK - English

@NoobResearcher10:20304

2.6. Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes - ATOMSK - English

Graphene is created by extracting a single layer from graphite structure (removing atoms above 0.2 Å along the Z-axis), while carbon nanotubes are defined by chiral indices (m,n) where m=n creates armchair nanotubes, m=0 or n=0 creates zigzag nanotubes, and other combinations create chiral nanotubes; multi-walled nanotubes can be created by merging multiple single-walled nanotubes or using larger chiral indices, and nanotubes can be made from elements other than carbon like boron and nitrogen.

@NoobResearcher · 10:20

• Why this video is valuable: Addresses a key curriculum gap regarding carbon allotropes. It uses 3D models to show how single-sheet graphene is structurally isolated from graphite and details the rolled geometries of carbon nanotubes defined by their chiral indices $(m, n)$.
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Describe the $sp^2$ hybridized orbital structure of graphene.
  • Differentiate between armchair, zigzag, and chiral carbon nanotubes based on their chiral vector coordinates $(m, n)$.

Graphene: A Survey of Applied Synthesis, through Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Techniques

@sethbrodski26:383,313

Graphene: A Survey of Applied Synthesis, through Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Techniques

Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon material with sp2 hybridization and planar structure, exhibits exceptional electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and thermal properties due to its unique Dirac electron behavior and zero-gap semiconductor characteristics. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) on copper foil substrates, optimized by Lee in 2009 using methane gas at 1000°C under isobaric and isothermal conditions, produces high-purity monolayer graphene films that can be transferred to arbitrar

@sethbrodski · 26:38

• Why this video is valuable: Delves into the chemistry of Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). This is the primary industrial method for growing high-quality graphene sheets by cracking precursor gases over catalytic transition metal foils (like copper).
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Identify the chemical precursors, carrier gases, and temperature ranges typically used in graphene CVD growth.
  • Explain the role of catalytic metal substrates (such as copper or nickel) in breaking down hydrocarbons and forming uniform carbon monolayers.

Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery

@mmiller9913123402:21126,435

Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery

Nanoparticles (1-100 nm particles) can be engineered for targeted drug delivery by filling them with cancer drugs and attaching targeting ligands to their surface; these nanoparticles navigate through the bloodstream, where healthy cells are protected by tight blood vessel junctions while cancer cells are surrounded by leaky blood vessels with specific receptor ligands on their surface, allowing the targeting ligands to bind and deliver drugs directly to cancer cells while minimizing damage to h

@mmiller99131234 · 02:21

• Why this video is valuable: Visually demonstrates how engineered nanoparticles function as smart drug delivery systems, showing how protective shells and surface targeting ligands allow them to deliver therapeutics selectively to tumor cells.
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Explain the difference between passive targeting (via the Enhanced Permeability and Retention - EPR effect) and active targeting using surface ligands.
  • Describe how surface coatings (such as PEGylation) prevent clearance by the immune system.

Mod-04 Lec-31 Photocatalysis - III

@iit11:5461,292

Mod-04 Lec-31 Photocatalysis - III

Photocatalysis involves light-driven reactions where electron-hole pairs are generated and separated. TiO2 exists in rutile (high-temp, high crystallinity), anatase (low-temp, optimal photocatalytic activity), and brookite forms. Anatase's balanced crystallinity and surface area make it superior. The 3.2 eV band gap limits TiO2 to UV activation. Key requirements include efficient generation and separation of charge carriers. Multiple synthesis methods produce TiO2 nanoparticles: hydrolysis of ti

@iit · 11:54

• Why this video is valuable: Details the chemistry of $TiO_2$ photocatalysis. This lecture compares crystalline phases (anatase vs. rutile) and explains how light absorption generates highly reactive electron-hole pairs to break down organic pollutants.
• Knowledge Checkpoint:
  • Explain how light absorption generates electron-hole ($e^-/h^+$) pairs within a $TiO_2$ nanoparticle.
  • Compare the photocatalytic activity and thermodynamic stability of the anatase and rutile phases of $TiO_2$.

Course Map

This flowchart shows the recommended learning path and key module dependencies.

Key People Index

• Dr. Kalyanjyoti Deori (Module 1)
  Context: An academic chemistry lecturer who provides clear mathematical frameworks for explaining how physical dimensions dictate surface atom coordinates and chemical thermodynamic properties.
• Dr. T Dhananjay Rao (Module 3)
  Context: A synthetic materials chemist who provides detailed practical parameters for the wet chemical synthesis of metal nanoparticles.
• Mildred Dresselhaus (Module 5)
  Context: Known as the "Queen of Carbon Science," she was a pioneer at MIT whose foundational work mapped the electronic structures of carbon nanotubes, graphene, and their Raman vibrational states.
• Robert S. Langer (Module 5)
  Context: A highly distinguished bioengineer at MIT who pioneered early and advanced nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems and controlled polymer release kinetics.

Final Self-Assessment

Test your understanding of the course material by completing this comprehensive self-assessment checklist:

• Can you calculate the change in total surface area when a 1 cm³ solid block of copper is divided into 5 nm particles?
• Do you understand why quantum dots of different sizes emit different colors under the same UV light source?
• Can you explain how the de Broglie wavelength of an electron relates to the physical dimensions required to observe quantum confinement?
• Are you able to describe the physical mechanism of Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) in gold and silver nanoparticles?
• Can you contrast photolithographic chip patterning (top-down) with wet-chemical sol-gel synthesis (bottom-up)?
• Do you understand the chemical reactions (hydrolysis and condensation) that turn a liquid sol into a solid gel?
• Can you explain why TEM can resolve smaller features than SEM, and list the sample preparation requirements for both techniques?
• Are you able to use Bragg's Law and the Scherrer equation to estimate crystallite size from peak broadening in an XRD pattern?
• Do you understand why the hydrodynamic diameter measured by DLS is typically larger than the physical core size measured by TEM?
• Can you identify how carbon nanotubes are rolled geometrically based on their chiral indices $(m, n)$?
• Do you know how catalytic transition metals (such as copper) grow single-layer graphene in a CVD furnace?
• Can you explain how $TiO_2$ nanoparticles absorb light to generate active radicals that break down organic pollutants?