This course looks at thermal energy transfer from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives based on the fundamental principles and laws of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. The course aims to provide an in-depth understanding on the principles of thermodynamics of materials and applications to production of inorganic materials (thin films, bulk), selection of materials for hostile environments, adsorption and chemisorption processes, surfaces and interfaces, phase equilibria and phase transformations, statistical and nonequilibrium thermodynamics, capillary processes and colloidal system. An important aspect is the introduction of nanothermodynamics, the thermodynamics of phenomena and processes at the nanometre scale.

On completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Define fundamental thermodynamic parameters, their interrelation for chemical processes, and compute thermodynamic relations for a defined process,
2. Explain and demonstrate the use of the Ellingham and Pourbaix diagrams,
3. Apply thermodynamics to defects, phase equilibria, phase diagrams, and phase transitions in nano systems,
4. Explain the basic principles of statistical thermodynamics,
5. Explain the thermodynamics properties of colloidal dispersed systems, reflect differences from classical thermodynamics.

Since the course content is rather new, several additional rading/supporting material will be provided through the Canvas platform.

Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:

Funka - compensatory support for students with disabilities

Please inform the course coordinator if you need compensatory support during the course. Present a certificate from Funka.

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

• INL1 - Assignment, 1.0 credits, Grading scale: P, F
• INL2 - Assignment, 2.5 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• TEN1 - Examination, 4.0 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Assignment ( INL1 ), take home assignment

Assignment ( INL2 ), Oral presentation

Examination ( TEN1 ), Oral exam

All assignments and exam are obligatory for the completion of the course.

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.