Materials for Energy Applications

Catalog description

Overview of key principles and technologies for materials relevant to energy applications, including membranes, catalysis, supercapacitors, adsorbents, and semi-conductors. EGEE 455 Materials for Energy Applications (3) The primary objective of this course is to introduce engineers and scientists to key principles in the design of materials relevant to energy applications. Application areas will include separations, catalysis, adsorption, semi-conductors, and photovoltaics. Students will be able to understand and apply principles in solid state chemistry/physics, material science and engineering, adsorption, surface science, and catalysis in analyzing materials for energy applications. Introductory information will be followed by case studies, state of the art review of current materials, and research needs for development. Students will be evaluated on their ability to understand and apply basic concepts in material science, solid state chemistry, and surface chemistry; report on an in depth study of one surface characterization technique; perform literature search and understand basic technical concepts in one application area. Term projects will provide an opportunity to apply concepts and skills to real world applications, and require students to report on current 'state of the art' technology and research needs. Groups of three or four students will be asked to choose from a variety of applications and then asked to present their findings. This is an elective course for energy engineering majors with particular interest in materials for energy applications.