27-728 Materials for Future Energy Systems

6 units, Carnegie Mellon University

This course addresses the connection between materials and technology for several classes of future energy systems that produce, store, andor transfer energy. Examples of materials and systems include I semiconducting materials used in the photochemical generation of hydrogen, II ionic and electronic conducting oxides used in solid oxide fuel cells, III superconducting materials used in energy transmission, generation, and storage, and IV degenerate semiconductors used for thermoelectric energy converters. For the systems covered in a given mini, important performance metrics will be presented and related to fundamental materials properties. Then, the underlying structure, thermodynamic, and kinetic processes that influence materials properties will be discussed, in specific relation to optimizing performance. Finally, the selection criteria used for the current versions of such technologies will be presented along with the materials challenges facing future energy systems.

Prerequisites: none listed

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