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MAT_SCI 381: Energy Materials

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Prerequisites

MAT_SCI 201 or 301, or consent of instructor

Description

This course is a materials science approach to the challenge of energy-efficient technology. It first focuses on materials energy content (production, processing, use and recycling), with students developing a short case study in this area. It then describes how advanced materials make possible efficient energy harvesting (e.g., organic and inorganic solar cells, nuclear materials, polymer composites for wind energy, bismuth telluride for thermoelectrics), energy transformation (e.g., polymer and solid oxide fuel cells, light emitting diodes, engines and turbines) and energy storage (e.g., batteries, hydrogen storage, phase change materials). Finally, materials enabling energy-efficient transportation and housing are discussed. One or two guest lecturers may be invited to describe their own area of specialization.

Course materials provided by instructor.