Thermodynamics of Materials

The course is aimed at giving the students insight into thermodynamics for solids and thermodynamics for nanoscale systems. Focus will be on phase-stability, surfaces, interfaces, and adsorption, as well as the size-depenence of nanoscale systems. We will discuss trends in formation enthalpies, heat capacities, and entropy for inorganic compounds. Selected thermodynamic models, experimental methods, and methods for theoretical computation of thermodynamic data will be described. Course will run autumn 2026

After the course the student should have the following knowledge:

• Apply chemical thermodynamics to a quantitative description of phase stability applied to both single and multicomponent phases.
• The concepts of thermodynamics of surfaces and interfaces and trends in interfacial thermodynamic data of materials
• Trends in thermodynamic data of important class of inorganic materials
• Microscopic models for the thermodynamics of solutions
• Microscopic models for the heat capacity and entropy of solids
• Theoretical methods to calculate thermodynamic date from first principles.
• Basic understanding of scaling laws, and how they apply to nano-scale system
• Use of Kirkwood-Buff theory, and how local structure influence macroscopic properties
• Use of statistical mechanics and use of computer models to determine thermodynamic properties of liquids, solids, or liquid/solid interfaces.

Lectures, seminars, one semester project and self study. Expected time usage:

• Lectures: 40 hours,
• Work on semester project and presentation: 60 hours.
• Selfstudy: 100 hours.

If there are fewer than three candidates, the course will be taught through colloquium work.