Entry requirements

120 credits in Science including 90 credits Chemistry. The courses Photochemistry, 10 credits and Advanced Electrochemistry, 5 credits, or equivalent.

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should have

• Explain fundamental principles of photosynthetic energy conversion, from light absorption to sustainable products.
• Explain evolutionary aspects and physical conditions for photosynthesis, and discuss how photosynthetic yield can be increased.
• Describe the morphology, and mechanisms for charge separation, in different kinds of solar cells.
• Perform calculations of efficiency for various kinds of solar cells.
• Explain different mechanisms for homogenous and heterogeous catalysis of relevance for renewable fuel production.
• Explain the different functions and fields of application of various kinds of batteries and fuel cells.

Content

A. Photobiology and photobiochemistry

Chemical potential in energy conserving systems, energy conversion and energy storage in photosynthetic organisms, evolution and physical conditions of photosynthesis, efficiency of photosynthesis, genetic modification of photosynthetic organisms, photobiological hydrogen production.

B. Catalysis for renewable fuels

Heterogeneous and homogenous catalysis for fuel production, mechanisms and processes for production of hydrogen, ammonia, methane, water splitting, carbon dioxide reduction, carbon based fuels.

C. Solar cells

Principles for conversion of solar energy to electricity, fundamental calculations and measurement of efficiency of solar cells, different solar cell techniques, photoelectric energy, dye sensitized solar cells, charge separation and transport, new solar cell materials.

D. Batteries and fuel cells

Electrochemical processes in different batteries, supercharging of batteries, chemistry of different types of fuel cells, characterisation and chemical reactions of phase interfaces in fuel cells, safety and reliability in the utilisation of batteries and fuel cells.

E. Individual assignment

Individual project (consisting of laboratory practice or literature study) including oral and written report.

Instruction

Lectures, tutorials, problem solving classes, demonstrations, group projects and laboratory exercises.

Assessment

Written or/and oral examination (11 credits) at the end of the course. The laboratory course and the project correspond to 4 credits