MEC4804 · Clean energy materials

Overview

This unit aims to introduce materials that revolutionise the current world with various energy options and future development trends. This unit covers fundamental concepts, principles and applications of energy materials, focusing on the design and development of advanced materials for sustainable energy generation and storage system. The following materials will be discussed, such as semiconductors for photovoltaics, solar cells, thermoelectric materials, piezoelectric materials, fuel cells, hydrogen production and storage. Preparation techniques and testing methods of energy materials will be included.

Areas of study: Minor: Semiconductor

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 50% Final assessment: 50% This unit contains hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

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

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Explain the theory and basic principles of materials in energy conversion, storage and utilisation.
2. Assess the role of materials in solving energy crisis due to the reliance on nonrenewable energy sources and their negative impact.
3. Evaluate various materials for emerging energy technologies to determine the most suitable option for a particular case based on the increasing demand for high quality and reliable energy.
4. Perform the design, characterization and preparation of materials for sustainable energy generation and storage system.
5. Analyse structure-property-performance relationships of materials that may improve energy conversion efficiency.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

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