The aim of this module is to give students an understanding of:
1. The underlying principles of the chemistry of electrochemical storage devices (batteries, supercapacitors) and energy conversion devices (fuel cells).
2. The fundamentals of solar energy conversion including photovoltaics and artificial solar synthesis.
3. How chemistry impacts strongly on everyday devices - using the "smart phone" as an illustrative example to introduce concepts of modern displays (liquid crystal, organic LED), coating technology and transistors.

(LO1) To demonstrate an understanding of simple chemical and electrochemical reactions

(LO2) To demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between fundamental materials properties and technological applications

(LO3) To demonstrate an understanding of the role of chemistry in complex multidisciplinary technologies

(LO4) To demonstrate an understanding of basic principles of battery/supercapacitor electrochemistry - such as the electric double layer

(LO5) To demonstrate an understanding of calculation of theoretical specific energies and energy densities

(LO6) To demonstrate an understanding of challenges and goals of research in energy storage/conversion devices

(LO7) To demonstrate an understanding of intercalation of ions into host structures

(LO8) To demonstrate an understanding of the basic principle of operation of a fuel cell

(LO9) To demonstrate an understanding of basic theory of semiconductors

(LO10) To demonstrate an understanding of different classes of photovoltaic devices

(LO11) To demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of an artificial leaf

(LO12) To demonstrate an understanding of the chemical technologies involved in the realisation of the "smart phone"

(LO13) To demonstrate an understanding of liquid crystalline state and optical anisotropy

(LO14) To demonstrate an understanding of the origin of electrical conductivity

(S1) self-study - via independent reading of suggested review articles

(S2) critical thinking - for example there are many different energy storage devices with advantageous and disadvantageous properties and scientific challenges to overcome. The student's ability to evaluate material presented to them can be assessed by short essay question in the examination.

(S3) Dimensional analysis of relationships between energy related physical quantities

Lectures. 24 x 1 hr

Coursework 1: (30%) Each section of the module will be followed by a set of problems, provided in advance.
The work will be collected, marked and feedback provided either within the lecture or uploaded on Canvas.
Each lecturer will set weekly online quizzes (3 x 3 = 9) which contribute a small amount to the total mark for this coursework component.

Coursework 2: (10%) Peerwise exercise.

*Lectures: 24 hr

Materials for Energy
1. Electrochemistry and Devices 1, introduction to electrochemistry
2. Electrochemistry and Devices 2, redox reactions
3. Modern Batteries: Intercalation Chemistry and Li-ion batteries
4. Future Batteries 1, Li-air
5. Future Batteries 2, flow cells
6. Electrochemical capacitors and the electrochemical double layer
7. Fuel Cells PEMFC (Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell)

The Chemistry of Solar Energy Utilisation
1. Introduction to the chemistry of solar energy, global energy calculations, routes to solar energy conversion and the role of chemistry
2. Interaction of light with matter, absorption, emission and scattering
3. Photovoltaics 1, the band model, p-n junctions, Si-PV
4. Photovoltaics 2, Si-PV, efficiency calculations, limitations to efficiency and the Shockley–Queisser limit, Tandem cells
5. Photovoltaics 3, excitonic solar cells: The dye cell, OPV
6. Photocatalysis to produce fuels.
7. Photo electrochemistry, the semiconductor-electrolyte interface

The Chemistry of the Smart Phone
1. Chemistry behind Smart Phones: Introduction, batteries (see lectures by LH), liquid crystals, polymers, semiconductors, conductive glass, heterojunctions
2. Conductive glasses: ITO and other transparent semiconductors, touch screen technology
3. Materials Properties I: Interactions of matter with light. Scattering, absorption, reflection, polarised light
4. Materials Properties II: Liquid crystals, electronic properties of molecules, conductive polymers
5. Display Technology I: Liquid crystal displays, OLED displays, the phenomenon of colour
6. Display Technology II: Field emission displays, recent developments
7. Micro-technology in Smart Phones: Silicon technology, the band model, doping
8. Heterojunction s: The role of heterojunctions in mobile communication