Introductory description

A transformation in the way that we produce and use energy has just begun that is going to unfold over the next 2-3 decades, motivated primarily by the urgent need to address the threat posed by climate change. Following an introduction to the wider context, the chemistry of a series of technologies, spanning energy generation, energy storage and energy use will be discussed.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1. Introduction to the wider context: climate change, sustainability and energy security and
   the central role chemists/materials scientists will play in addressing the challenges in this area.
2. Advanced concepts in solid state chemistry building on years 1 and 2: direct/indirect
   semiconductors, molecular semiconductors, excitons etc.
3. The solar resource; semi-conductor p-n junctions applied to photovoltaics (PV); the
   motivation for reverting to thin film PV; operational principles behind perovskite PV, dye-
   sensitised PV and organic PV (three disruptive classes of emerging PV technologies) and an
   explanation as to why these cells operate differently to a conventional pn junction PV. Key
   advances in materials development.
4. Fuel cells; basic principles of catalytic operation; proton exchange fuel cells; oxygen ion
   exchange fuel cells; key materials issues.
5. Solid state batteries; electrochemical principles, different types of batteries (primary,
   secondary); alkaline and lithium ion batteries; key materials issues.
6. Inorganic materials for batteries, solid-oxide fuel cells and electrocatalysis
7. Hydrogen; methods of generation (e.g. photoelectrolysis and chemical); importance of
   storage and transport; importance of new materials (e.g. porous framework materials).
8. Bioenergy; biomass as a fuel; bioenergy sources including crops and waste; production of
   gaseous and liquid fuels from biomass.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Appreciate the connection behind the science and technology of energy, and environmental, economic, social and policy issues.
• Appreciate the complexity of the renewable energy challenge and the central role that chemists do/will play in this growing area.
• Understand the underpinning science behind the operation of different types of photovoltaic device, particularly leading emerging photovoltaic technologies.
• Understand the underlying principles behind different types of fuel cell.
• Understand the underlying principles behind the operation of solid state batteries.
• Understand the underlying principles behind bioenergy and the use of biomass for biofuels.
• Understand the underlying principles and challenges in the area of hydrogen storage.

Indicative reading list

Introductory Nanoscience Physical and Chemical Concepts / Masaru Kuno
London and New York : Garland Science 2012.
Polymer electronics [electronic resource] / edited by Hsin-Fei Meng.
Singapore : Pan Stanford Publishing, c2013.
“Biofuels” eds. W. Soetert, E.J. Vandamme, Wiley, 2009
"A Comprehensive guide to Solar Energy Systems" [electronic resource]Elsevier Academic Press, Chapter 12 Organic Photovoltaics

Interdisciplinary

Spans physical, materials, organic and inorganic chemistry

Subject specific skills

Problem solving
Critical thinking

Transferable skills

Problem solving
Critical thinking Oral