Materials for Energy

Teaching Methods

The course is organized in a modular structure, lectured by specialists in the respective topics.

During the course the different topics will be exposed and in the end of the semester a final written exam will be made together with a monograph on a selected topic.

Learning Outcomes

Adapting the current energy system towards reducing the fossil fuel dependence and minimizing its impact on climate, environment and health is a major challenge of the present society. The objective of the present course is to provide an overview of the vital role of materials science and technology in a range of energy technologies, that include fossil, fuels, nuclear and renewables, allowing establishing the foundations for an understanding of how materials contribute to increased sustainability in energy production and energy use efficiency.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Introduction. Fossil energy and geological alternative sources. Nuclear energy. Photovoltaic materials.

Thermoelectric materials. Hydrogen technologies. Electrical energy storage. Solid-state lighting. Materials for other energy technologies.

Assessment Methods

Evaluation
A final written exam will be made together with a monograph on a selected topic.: 100.0%

Bibliography

Fundamentals of Materials for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, David S. Ginley, David Cahen, Cambridge University Press (2012).

Materials for Energy Conversion Devices, Charles C. Sorrell, Sunao Sugihara and Janusz Nowotny, CRC Press (2005)

Energy Harvesting Material, David L. Andrews, World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd (2005)

Renewable Energy, Godfrey Boyle, OUP Oxford (2004)

Materials for Fuel Cells, Michael Gasik, Woodhead Publishing Ltd (2008)

Solid-state Hydrogen Storage: Materials and Chemistry, G. Walker, Woodhead Publishing Ltd (2008)