CHM2180 · Materials for energy

Overview

The unit explores the structure, property and design principles of materials across a wide range of soft, polymeric and hard materials with a unifying focus on energy applications. This will include colloidal and nanostructured soft materials (e.g., liquid crystals) for energy storage and conversion. Conductive and functional polymers and their role in organic solar cells, batteries and supercapacitors. Porous crystalline materials including zeolites and framework forming systems for gas storage and separation. Materials for batteries and electrodes, solid electrocycles and perovskite oxides for solid-state batteries and fuel cells and next generation photovoltaics, ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents will also be investigated. Principles of single crystal X-Ray diffraction are introduced as a key characterisation tool.

Areas of study: Chemistry

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Understand the design principles governing materials for energy applications;
2. Identify major classes of energy-relevant polymers, and explain charge transport mechanisms and structure–property relationships relevant to energy conversion and storage;
3. Describe the formation, stability, and characterisation of colloidal and nanostructured soft materials, and explain their roles in electrochemical energy devices;
4. Describe the structures of zeolites and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and explain how tuneable porosity and surface area enable their use in gas storage, separation, and energy applications;
5. Define ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents, and explain how ion selection and molecular design influence their properties for energy applications;
6. Carry out organic and inorganic material synthesis and characterisation in a laboratory environment, and build independent competency, teamwork and communication skills;
7. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the theory of X-ray crystallography.

Workload

Average 12 hours per week (144 hours per semester) consisting of: • 2-hours workshops; • 1-hour tutorial; • 3-hours laboratory and • 6-hours of independent study.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.