Materials for Energy

This interdisciplinary course equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary in the area of advanced materials science, with a particular focus on materials for energy-related applications. The main objective of the course is to develop expertise in materials used in energy generation, storage, and conversion, including their design, characterization, fabrication, and application in diverse energy sectors. Students will explore metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites utilized in renewable and conventional energy systems, and the role of materials science in optimizing their performance. The program will also cover modern methods for for adapting material properties to meet energy efficiency, sustainability and environmental impact requirements. Key topics include material behavior under extreme conditions, degradation mechanisms, energy storage technologies (such as batteries and supercapacitors), materials for photovoltaics, fuel cells, and thermoelectrics. The course will provide insight into the principles of energy conversion, material interactions within energy systems, and future trends in materials for the energy sector.

Examples of modules:

• Degradation processes and recycling

• Introduction to energy conversion and storage

• Integrated computational materials engineering

• Materials for chemical and electrochemical energy conversion and storage

• Additive Manufacturing in Material Engineering for the Energy Sector

• Composites production for the Energy Sector

• Surface Engineering for the Energy Sector

Graduate profile – job opportunities

Career opportunities:

Graduates may find employment in:

• energy companies

• R&D departments of energy corporations

• research institutes/research centres

• manufacturing and engineering firms

• renewable energy sector.