Description

Surface and colloid chemistry describes the nanoscopic and mesoscopic regimes that connect molecular and macroscopic length scales. The course focuses on how phenomena at macroscopic surfaces and interfaces arise from molecular interactions. Intermolecular and surface forces discussed in detail include van der Waals and electrostatic forces, and how these together with steric interactions give rise to different molecular aggregates (self-assembled structures of surface active molecules and polymers) in bulk solution and in the vicinity of solid surfaces. Examples of modern experimental techniques for measurements of surface forces and for characterization of surfaces and aggregates are discussed and demonstrated.