Materials for Light-Energy Conversion

Course manual 2022/2023

Course content

The course Materials for Light-Energy Conversion introduces you to fundamental concepts of light-matter interaction in nanoscale and molecular systems used in energy conversion and sensing applications.
The course begins with fundamental concepts necessary to understand light-matter interaction in nanoparticles and molecular chromophores.
Next, we will discuss fundamental aspects of light-matter interactions in nanoparticles of noble metals, such as gold, silver, and copper. These nanoparticles display strong and tunable light absorption and scattering in the UV, visible, and near-IR regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. These so-called plasmon resonances have unique features that emerge from the optical and electronic properties of metal nanoparticles. The students will develop the theoretical toolbox necessary to understand the properties and evaluate the applicability of plasmonic nanoparticles in a variety of contexts, from light energy conversion, to optical sensing.
Lastly, we will highlight fundamental aspects of molecular photochemistry, including Jablonski diagrams, electronic transitions, and spectroscopic selection rules. We will then continue with concepts related to excitation energy transfer and photoinduced charge separation. We will also discuss the experimental measurement techniques needed to characterize these processes in molecular chromophore systems as well as their use in applications such as organic photovoltaics, dye-sensitized solar cells, and light emitting diodes.
During the course, students will also have the opportunity to apply their newly acquired understanding of light-matter interactions in photoactive materials to the analysis of recent scientific literature. Each student will write a literature review on a specific topic from the course and present their findings in a short seminar.

Objectives

• Students understand how fundamental properties of light-matter interaction, such as light absorption and scattering, emerge from Maxwell’s equations.
• Students can relate macroscopic light attenuation through a material (Lambert’s law) with nanoscale and molecular processes such as light absorption and scattering by nanoparticles and molecular chromophores.
• Students understand what are plasmon resonances in metal nanoparticles and how they depend on particle size, shape, composition, and environment.
• Students understand Jablonski diagrams and excited state processes in organic based molecular systems.
• Students can apply their fundamental understanding of the electronic and optical properties of organic chromophores and metal nanoparticles to critically evaluate recent scientific literature on light energy conversion and optical sensing.

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Seminar
• Presentation/symposium
• Self-study
• Supervision/feedback meeting

Learning activities

Attendance

Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

Additional requirements for this course:

Attendance is mandatory. Each student may be absent a maximum of 2 lectures. Every absence needs to be motivated and communicated to the course coordinator ahead of time.

Assessment

Inspection of assessed work

In person during dedicated consulting hours.

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Contact information

Coordinator

• A. Baldi

Staff

C. Ramanan

A. Baldi