Entry requirements

120 credits in science/engineering including 60 credits in chemistry and/or chemical engineering. Participation in Applied Electrochemistry. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to: 

• analyse the principles that underlie the construction of rechargeable batteries, their internal structure and operating mechanisms, 
• relate different types of primary and secondary batteries to their differences in performance and practical applicability,
• explain the mechanisms behind main electrochemical processes and side-reactions of positive and negative electroactive materials for rechargeable batteries,
• account for electrochemical interfaces, electrode surface layers, and their role in batteries,
• evaluate relationships between structure and properties for different electrode and electrolyte configurations in modern lithium-ion batteries,
• discuss the application of solid and liquid electrolytes for energy storage,
• account for large-scale production methods and evaluation processes for rechargeable batteries,
• analyse critical concepts of relevance to rechargeable batteries, such as aging, longevity, energy optimization, etc.,
• plan and assemble electrodes, electrolyte, and cells for Li-ion batteries. 

Content

Introduction to the fundamental principles behind the design and operation of rechargeable batteries. Commercially relevant primary and secondary batteries will be discussed with a focus on contemporary lithium-ion batteries. The emphasis is on the material perspective, where the relationship between composition, structure, morphology and function of both active and inactive materials in batteries is thoroughly discussed. The role of electrochemical interfaces and electrode surface layers in batteries is presented and analyzed. Strategies for combining battery materials and how these affect the device's service life, cost and safety are discussed. Battery production methods and quality control are discussed. Practical laborations of preparing battery electrodes and cells are included.

Instruction

Lectures, lab exercises, seminars.

Assessment

Written exam  (5 credits). Lab course (4 credits). Active participation in seminars (1 credit). 

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.