Energy and Energetic Options

Recommended Prerequisites

Knowledge in Physial Chemistry and Materials Chemistry.  

Teaching Methods

Master classes, debates and seminars on emerging topics.

Learning Outcomes

Recognize the role of various energy alternatives for which Chemistry contributes and it relation to the energy needs of our society.

Recognizing the potential and limitations of various relevant technologies. Identify the most important scientific challenges of emerging technologies.

Knowing the language and recognize the scientific instruments and experimental methodologies in the area.

Meet specific content in the study area, including the solar cells, biomass and wind, and the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and reactivity when applied to systems relevant to energy conversion.   

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Energy and Society (Efficiency; Economics)

Solar Cells (Silicon Cells and semiconductors; Dye cells; Organic polymer cells)

Solar fuels (Natural and artificial photosynthesis; Water Photo electrolysis ; CO2 reduction)

Biofuels (Gasification; Combustion)

Fuel cells

Conversion of heat into voltage / thermoelectric materials

Nuclear Energy

Wind, Tidal and Waves Energy

Energy and the Future (Learning, World Politics).  

Head Lecturer(s)

Carlos Alberto Lourenço de Serpa Soares

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Intervention in classes : 20.0%
Synthesis work: 20.0%
Frequency: 30.0%
Teaching a class with debate : 30.0%

Bibliography

  [1] Thin-Film Silicon Solar Cells, Editor:  Arvind Victor Shah, CRC Press, 2010.

[2] Dye-sensitized Solar Cells, Kuppuswamy Kalyanasundaram, CRC Press, 2010.

[3] Polymer Photovoltaics: a pratical approach, Editos Frederik C. Crebs, SPIE Press,2008.

[4] Energy for a Sustainable World: From the Oil Age to a Sun-Powered Future, Vincenzo Balzani, and Nicola Armaroli, Wiley-VCH, 2011.

[5] Wind Turbines, T. Al-Shemmeri, Ventus Publishing ApS, 2010.

[6] Sustainable Energy - without the hot air, David JC MacKay, Cambridge, 2009.

[7] International Handbook on the Economics of Energy, Edited by Joanne Evans and Lester C. Hunt, Published by

Edward Elgar Publishing Limited, 2009.