Course info

In this course we will discuss the physics/chemistry behind different applications and describe the materials requirement for each of them. In particular we focus on understanding the structure-property relationship and the design principles of modern inorganic materials for prospective applications in photovoltaics and thermoelectrics. The course intend to provide a general fundamental understanding of the phenomena involve of those applications, and present a general view of the respective state-of-the-art research lines. Additionally, we will discuss about different techniques for the synthesis of inorganic materials (single crystal, thin films and nanoparticles).


- Photovoltaics:
Semiconductors, doping and p-n junction
Silicon solar cells
Thin film solar cells
Tandem solar cells
Dye sensitized solar cells
Quantum dot solar cells
Metal halide perovskite solar cells

- Thermoelectricity:
Description of the phenomenon and historical evolution
Thermoelectric cooling and power generation applications
Thermoelectric cost-efficiency trade off
Thermoelectric transport coefficients and thermal conductivity
Novel materials and structures
Devices

Target group: Everyone interested in understanding the basics of how materials work and how they can be produced.
Students with background in physics, chemistry or biology.

Prerequisites: Basic Knowledge of solid state physics/chemistry will be beneficial. In particular, understanding of:
crystal structure and its relationship to properties
electronic structure (energy band diagrams)
fundamental principles of semiconductors
chemical bonding

Evaluation: The evaluation will be based on attendance and participation on the discussion sessions

Teaching format: The course will be split in lectures (2x week) and open discussion sessions (1x week). During the discussion session we will debate 2 papers corresponding to the application explained the previous week. The students will have to read those papers prior to the discussion session. Moreover, every week, 2 different students will be selected to briefly describe the papers findings as a starting note for the discussion.

ECTS: 3 Year: 2020

Track segment(s):
PHY-CON Physics - Condensed Matter

Teacher(s):
Maria Ibáñez

Teaching assistant(s):
Mariano Calcabrini

If you want to enroll to this course, please click: REGISTER