Syllabus for |
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| TIF260 - Energy related materials |
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| Syllabus adopted 2012-02-22 by Head of Programme (or corresponding) |
| Owner: MPAPP |
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7,5 Credits |
| Grading: TH - Five, Four, Three, Not passed |
| Education cycle: Second-cycle |
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Major subject: Energy and Environmental Systems and Technology, Engineering Physics |
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Department: 16 - PHYSICS
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Teaching language: English
Open for exchange students
Block schedule:
B
| Course module |
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Credit distribution |
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Examination dates |
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Sp1 |
Sp2 |
Sp3 |
Sp4 |
Summer course |
No Sp |
| 0111 |
Examination |
7,5c |
Grading: TH |
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7,5c
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31 May 2013 pm V, |
26 Aug 2013 pm M |
In programs
MPAPP APPLIED PHYSICS, MSC PROGR, Year 1 (elective)
Examiner:
Docent
Christoph Langhammer
Forskare
Maths Karlsson
Go to Course Homepage
Eligibility:
For single subject courses within Chalmers programmes the same eligibility requirements apply, as to the programme(s) that the course is part of.
Course specific prerequisites
Basic knowledge in physics, chemistry and/or materials science is
recommended.
Aim
To get insight into how materials properties affect functionality in
modern energy technologies and especially sustainable energy systems such
as batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, supercapacitors, catalysts,
hydrogen storage, carbon dioxide capturing, thermoelectrica etc.
By applying experimental and theoretical models at different levels the
student should be acquainted with rational development of new materials
and technologies and connect with prestanda, life-length, sustainability
and environmental impact, price etc.
Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)
Assess and communicate the importance of materials science to the development of next-generation sustainable and environmentally friendly energy technologies.
Give an overview of state-of-the-art functional component materials utilized in energy related technologies, such as batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, supercapacitors, (photo)catalysts, hydrogen storage, thermoelectrics, insulation materials, etc., as well as of the working principle(s) of these technologies.
Understand and explain the key fundamental properties, such as composition, structure, electronic properties, and ion conduction mechanisms, of selected groups of materials, and understand the requirements on the materials' properties as set by the demands of the final functional device, such as efficiency, weight, thermodynamic stability, lifetime and cost, for example.
Understand how the materials key properties affect the functionality of the devices, and be familiar with strategies for the development of new materials with better performance.
Be familiar with the most important experimental and theoretical characterization methods commonly used to investigate the properties and functionality of energy related materials.
Content
Materials science is a crucial ingredient for new scientific discovery. In this course the student will learn how materials development is important and can lead to new energy-production, use and storage alternatives that have the potential to compete with and exceed existing technologies. The importance of thinking and working in terms of an integrated approach where all the levels from fundamental materials properties to system requirements are taken into account will be highlighted. Furthermore, focus is laid on the discussion of state-of-the-art scientific materials characterization methods used to investigate the materials properties and the importance of combining experimental with theoretical methods in modern materials science and technology will be discussed. After a broad and general introduction to the materials challenges related to the design and development of next-generation energy technologies, the following topics will be addressed with focus on material-related aspects:
1) Alternative means to generate energy/electricity by utilizing sustainable energy sources like the sun, water, hydrogen, wind, bio-fuels, etc.
2) State-of-the-art approaches in the development and design of materials for energy-storage and energy-conversion devices and systems like batteries, hydrogen storage in solids and liquids, supercapacitors, thermoelectrics, salts, (photo)catalysts and fuel cells.
3) The production of alternative and sustainable liquid or gaseous fuels by the use of solid state (photo)catalysts to convert water, biomass, CO2 into useful products.
4) The possibility to reduce energy consumption by improving existing energy technologies by relying on improved materials for insulation, lubrication, etc.
5) Important experimental and theoretical tools commonly used to characterize the physical and chemical properties of energy related materials.
Organisation
The course includes a series of lectures, including some guest lectures given by expert scientists from industry/academia, as well as a visit to a Swedish energy related company or research laboratory.
Literature
Literature will be announced on the course homepage prior to the course start.
Examination
Written examination after the first half of the course and a project at the end of the course constitute in sum the examination. A passing grade requires satisfactory performance in both examinations as well as active participation during lectures.