This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Plastics, Liquid Crystals and Organic LEDs are ubiquitous in everyday life; your smartphone, tablet or television screen is likely an Organic LED. Here, the chemistry of these common materials is explored. Specifically, the structure and nomenclature of organic and inorganic macromolecules are covered, as well as polymer syntheses. The physical, chemical and mechanical properties of polymers, liquid crystals and light emitting materials are dissected and device structure of organic LEDs is deconvoluted.
Total Contact Hours: 45
Total Private Study Hours: 105
Total Study Hours: 150
This is not available as a wild module.
Assignment 1 (14%)
Assignment 2 (8%)
Laboratory Practical Reports – 18%
Examination (2 hours) – 60%
The lab practical reports are compulsory sub-elements and must be passed to complete the module.
Collins, P.J. and Hird, M. (1997). Introduction to Liquid Crystals: Chemistry and Physics. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press
Cowie, J.M.G., and Arrghi, V. (2007). Polymers: Chemistry and Physics of Modern Materials. Third Edition. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press
Jean, Y., Volatron, F. and Burdett, J. (1993). An Introduction to Molecular Orbitals. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Solomons, G., Fryhle, C.B., and Snyder, S.A. (2012). Organic Chemistry, Eleventh Edition. London: Wiley
Sun, S-S. and Dalton, L.R. (2016). Introduction to Organic Electronic and Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, Second Edition. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts relating to polymer chemistry.
Demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding of the operating instruments and interpreting spectra from spectroscopic data.
Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the structure-property relationships liquid-crystal (LC) materials.
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the synthetic approaches to polymers, LCs, and light emitting organics.
Demonstrate through knowledge and understanding of the concepts relating to spectroscopy and organic light emitting devices.
Confidently interpret spectroscopic data.
Demonstrate an assured ability to link chemical structure to experimental observables.
Display the skills to perform practical experiments to gain spectroscopic information.
Display the skills to accurately operate standard chemical instrumentation, record data, evaluate observations and errors.
Display the skills to accurately operate standard chemical instrumentation, record data, evaluate observations and errors.
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of how polymers are synthesised and analysed.
Demonstrate a detailed understanding of small molecule synthesis approaches.
Display knowledge of LC behaviour and how it relates to observable properties.
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of OLED device compositions.
Make use of appropriate subject-specific texts, or other learning resources as part of managing their own learning.
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Demonstrate the ability to formulate problems in precise terms and to identify key issues, and the confidence to try different approaches in order to make progress on challenging problems.
Demonstrate assured analytical skills associated with the need to pay attention to detail and to develop an ability to manipulate precise and intricate ideas, to construct logical arguments and to use technical language correctly.
Work independently, use initiative, organise oneself to meet deadlines, and interact constructively with other people.
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