Listed in: Chemistry, as CHEM-344
Lara I. Halaoui (Section 01.)
One of the most pressing scientific and technological challenges of the times is to devise efficient and sustainable renewable energy systems, accessible to all, that can mitigate the devastating effects that fossil fuel burning has had on our climate and the threat to future generations on earth. The sun is an awesome source of energy; one-hour of sunlight is sufficient to power the planet for one year. Electrochemical energy systems have offered solutions for sustainability by allowing conversion of light energy into electrical energy or chemical energy, then storage and utilization on demand. Electrochemistry is the foundation science for understanding and developing devices for energy conversion and storage. This course introduces the fundamental principles and techniques of electrochemistry and its applications in renewable energy technologies. Topics include an introduction to electrochemical cells, electrochemical thermodynamics, kinetics of electrode reactions, and essential electrochemical methods to study electrode reactions. After setting the foundation, students will learn the principles and processes of applications in energy conversion and storage, including electrocatalysis and photocatalysis, photoelectrochemical solar cells, fuel cells, batteries, supercapacitors, and artificial photosynthesis by solar water splitting to produce hydrogen or carbon dioxide reduction towards fuels and value-added chemicals. In concluding class discussions and upon reading from the current primary literature, students will use the knowledge gained to think of emerging approaches to improve efficiency and lower cost of energy systems and will gain insight into the current state of renewable energy science and technology towards a sustainable future. Students with interest in climate and renewable energy science, technology, and policy will benefit from the course.
Spring semester. Limited to 25 students. Professor Halaoui
How to handle overenrollment: Preference will be given to chemistry majors, then to students who intend to pursue work or advanced studies in climate and energy science, technology and policy. Professor will meet with students to assess their interests and keep a waitlist.
Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Attendance, quantitative work, problem solving, reading research articles, participating in class discussions, collaborative group work, projects based on independent research of literature, oral presentations.
Section 01.
M 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM SCCE C101
W 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM SCCE C101
F 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM SCCE C101