This course focuses on various materials which are used in modern energy conversion devices. Students will gain the basic knowledge of the physical properties, structures, functions, processes, and the evaluation method of those functional energy materials. Specifically, fuel cell materials, solar cell materials, high temperature energy conversion materials, catalytic materials are highlighted, and the state-of-the-art energy devices and related functional materials will be explained. Energy materials are categorized into metals, ceramics, and polymers in term of heat management. A role of those functional materials in energy devices will be explained comprehensively. Moreover, students will obtain the knowledge of the relationship between operating principle and the marginal efficiency of the devices and materials functions.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Explain the basics of fuel cell materials.
2. Explain the basics of solar cell materials.
3. Explain the basics of high temperature materials.
4. Explain the basics of secondary battery materials.
5. Explain the basics of catalytic materials.
6. Explain the similarities and differences among these materials.
Fuel cells, Solar cells, Batteries, High temperature materials, Catalysts
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
After the guidance of this course, each device will be explained in one or two classes.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Basics of thermal energy and relation between energy materials. Overview of energy materials in terms of high- and low-temperature use. | Explain relationship between energy materials and thermal energy (temperature). |
Class 2 | Basics of high temperature materials. | Explain the type and characteristics of high-temperature materials. |
Class 3 | High temperature materials: metals and ceramics. Comparison between Low temperature materials (polymers) in terms of thermal durability. | Explain the difference between the low temperature materials and low temperature materials. |
Class 4 | Basics of high temperature materials. | Explain the type and characteristics of high temperature materials. |
Class 5 | Low temperature materials (separator for secondary batteries and PEFCs) and polymers (cost, machinability, durability). | Explain the role of the polymer material as a low temperature materials. |
Class 6 | Basics of Catalysis and catalytic materials. | Explain the catalyst function and catalyst materials. |
Class 7 | High temperature catalysts (Fe, Ni catalysts for fuel reforming), Low temperature catalysts (Pr catalysts for FCs) | Explained the difference of high temperature materials and low temperature materials in accordance with the application. |
Class 8 | Summary of this lecture. | Explain the important points of each topic. |
none
There is no textbook. Reading materials will be distributed if needed.
Evaluation will be based on the term end examination. Submission of reports will be considered for the evaluation when assigned.
No prerequisites.