Entry requirements

120 credits with 90 credits in chemistry. Photochemistry, 10 credits, and Advanced Electrochemistry, 5 credits, or equivalent.

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to

• Explain fundamental principles of photosynthetic energy conversion, and how these apply to different types of solar cells and solar fuel systems.
• Discuss different methods for solar fuel production through direct and semi-direct processes.
• Explain the physical and evolutionary conditions for photobiological fuel production, and discuss how synthetic biology can be applied to enhance the photosynthetic yield.
• Explain the function of different kinds of solar cells and their mechanisms for charge separation; Describe their morphology and materials.
• Perform measurements and calculations of efficiency for various kinds of solar cells.
• Explain the different functions and fields of application of various kinds of batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells, the importance of the material chemistry for their function, as well as their role in the energy system.
• Describe the present research challenges in the field of chemical energy conversion and storage, and describe how research in the field is performed.
• Report, both written and orally, on a research project for an international audience.

Content

A. Photobiology and photobiochemistry

Energy conversion and energy storage in photosynthetic organisms, artificial photosynthesis, biomimetic catalysts for water oxidation and hydrogen production, genetic modification of photosynthetic organisms, photobiological hydrogen production.

B. Solar cells

Principles for conversion of solar energy to electricity, fundamental calculations and measurement of efficiency of solar cells, different solar cell technologies, dye sensitized solar cells, organic solar cells, charge separation and transport.

C. Batteries and fuel cells

Electrochemical processes in different batteries, battery materials (bulk, interfaces and nanoproperties) supercapacitors, chemistry of different types of fuel cells, characterisation and chemical reactions of phase interfaces in fuel cells, safety and reliability 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