Materials for Energy Harvesting and Storage

Code:

FIS4030

Acronym:

FIS4030

Level:

400

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Physics

Instance: 2024/2025 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Engineering Physics

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
M:EF	11	Official Study Plan since 2021_M:EF	1	-	6	52	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

This curricular unit aims to provide a scientific and applied approach to energy storage and harvesting, exploring theoretical foundations, the investigation of new materials, and the development of innovative devices. It seeks to integrate fundamental concepts of electrochemistry, physics, and materials science with practical applications, enabling students to understand and contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy technologies.

Specifically, the objectives include:

1. Analysis and development of energy storage technologies – Explore the physicochemical fundamentals of capacitors, primary and secondary batteries, as well as the mechanisms of electrochemical energy storage.
2. Advanced electrochemical characterization techniques – Apply methods such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry to assess the performance of energy materials and devices.
3. Synthesis and modification of functional materials – Develop strategies for converting waste into carbon-based materials for applications in electrode fabrication for energy storage devices.
4. Design and optimization of energy harvesting devices – Investigate energy conversion mechanisms in nanogenerators based on water evaporation, triboelectric systems, and next-generation solar cells.
5. Integration of scientific concepts and technological innovation – Correlate structural and electrochemical properties of materials with their practical performance, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy technologies.

Learning outcomes and competences

Upon completing this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the principles of energy storage and harvesting technologies, addressing the underlying physicochemical and electrochemical fundamentals.
2. Apply advanced electrochemical characterization techniques, including impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry, for the analysis of materials and devices.
3. Synthesize and process functional materials, focusing on their application in electrodes and energy devices.
4. Design and optimize energy storage and harvesting devices, evaluating their efficiency and performance.
5. Analyze and interpret experimental data, using quantitative and qualitative methodologies to assess energy materials and systems.
6. Communicate scientific and technological results, preparing technical reports and well-founded presentations.
7. Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, contributing to the development and innovation of energy technologies.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Program

The course follows a sequential structure, covering the scientific principles, materials, and devices used in energy storage and harvesting, with a strong experimental component.

1. Energy Storage Technologies and Characterization Techniques

• Introduction to energy storage technologies, including capacitors and primary and secondary batteries.
• Study of key electrochemical analysis techniques, such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry.
• Laboratory activities for assembling electrical circuits and analyzing commercial energy storage devices.

2. Production and Characterization of Materials for Energy Storage

• Synthesis and activation of carbonaceous materials derived from food waste.
• Formulation of electrode coating pastes and their application in anodes and cathodes of sodium-ion batteries.
• Characterization of electrodes through morphological and electrochemical analyses to assess performance under different operating conditions.

3. Development of Energy Harvesting Devices

• Exploration of energy harvesting through water evaporation, with the fabrication of nanogenerators based on porous substrates coated with carbonaceous materials.
• Study of triboelectric energy harvesting devices, including the assembly of systems for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
• Fabrication and characterization of dye-sensitized and perovskite solar cells, including the deposition of functional layers, sealing processes, and performance evaluation.

4. Characterization and Performance Evaluation of Devices

• Measurement and analysis of key performance parameters, such as I-V curve, conversion efficiency, and fill factor.
• Interpretation of experimental results for the optimization of materials and devices.

 

Mandatory literature

ChriChristian Julien, Alain Mauger, Ashok Vijh, Karim Zaghib; Lithium Batteries, Springer
Robert A. Huggins; Advanced batteries, Springer
Zhengcheng Zhang, Sheng Shui Zhang; Rechargeable Batteries Materials, Technologies and New Trends
Vladimir S, Bagatosky Alexander, M. Skundin, Yuru M. Volfovich; ELECTROCHEMICAL POWER SOURCES
David Linden and Thomas B. Reddy; LINDEN’S HANDBOOK OF BATTERIES, McGraw-Hill

Teaching methods and learning activities

The lectures will have a theoretical component, complemented by exercises resolution and experimental work in the laboratory.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	30,00
Trabalho laboratorial	30,00
Trabalho escrito	40,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	10,00
Estudo autónomo	20,00
Frequência das aulas	48,00
Trabalho laboratorial	36,00
Trabalho escrito	20,00
Total:	134,00

Eligibility for exams

Calculation formula of final grade

WW = Written Work
WP =  Written Work Presentation of the
LW = Laboratory Work

CF = 0.4 * WW + 0.3 * WP + 0.3 * LW

The distributed assessment includes the evaluation of laboratory performance and the laboratory logbook (30%), the preparation of a written report (40%), and its oral presentation followed by an individual discussion (30%).

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

 

Classification improvement