3 credits
Fall 2026 Distance Learning Departmental CreditUpper Division
This course will introduce students to the field of nanotechnology with a special emphasis on nanomaterials synthesis, characterizations and their applications in civil and environmental engineering. The specific applications will include, but not limited to, tailoring mechanical property, durability, self-cleaning, self-sealing, self-sensing, energy harvesting and other multi-functionality. It integrates the fields of materials science, civil engineering and electrical engineering. The basic concepts will be discussed including nano-scale effect, process-structure-property relationship, nano- and micro-structure property characterizations, multi-functional materials, nano-device fabrication and their applications for energy harvesting, water infiltrations and environmental sensing. lab will be provided to students enrolled in the course to learn nano and micro-structure characterizations skills.
Learning Outcomes1Be familiar with terminology and basic concepts of nanomaterials, nanomanufacturing and nanotechnologies.
2Understand common techniques for nano-structure synthesis and fabrication.
3Understand basic knowledge of carrier transport mechanism in nanoscales.
4Understand basic properties of nanomaterials including: mechanical, electrical, thermal, sensing and their characterization techniques.
5Understand working mechanisms of using nanotechnology to develop multi-functionality of infrastructure materials.
6Understand underlying mechanisms of thermoelectricity, state-of-the-art thermoelectric materials, devices and their applications.
7Understand fundamental knowledge of piezoelectricity, state-of-the-art piezoelectric materials, devices and their applications.
8Understand working mechanisms of various infrastructure sensing and monitoring technologies, their applications and limitations.
Restrictions
made by Purdue students.