6 EC
Semester 1, period 1
5354EMEM6Y
Materials science is a very diverse field, incorporating many scientific disciplines such as physics, chemistry, informatics, and medicine. Research in materials science is equally diverse and ranges from fundamental (how does a superconductor work) to applied (how can we change the properties of nanomaterials for improved catalysis). The course Emergent Energy Materials provides you with a first introduction to this field. As the title suggest the emphasis will be on ‘Emergent’ and ‘Energy’. The concept of ‘emergent properties’ plays an important role in creating more energy-efficient and energy-conscious technologies and consumption. On top of that, the climate crisis is encouraging rapid developments in materials research: new technologies and materials are ’emerging’ every day.
During the course, we will begin by covering basic concepts of solid-state physics and materials science such as the periodic atomic structure of solids, its determination and role (crystallography), the electronic band structure of (infinite) solids, the magnetic and optical properties of solids and their relation to the size effects, various routes to produce materials, and concepts of surface science. Special attention will be given to a number of commonly used experimental techniques to synthesize materials and study their properties. We will then dive into several more advanced concepts related to two aspects of emergent energy materials, namely nanomaterials for energy applications and emergence from electronic interactions and its role in bulk materials’ design.
Nanomaterials for energy applications
Nanomaterials have unique structural, electrical, optical, and magnetic properties that make them ideally suited for specific applications in the fields of energy conversion and energy storage. These properties span from their enhanced structural resistance to embrittlement in intercalation materials used in modern lithium-ion batteries, to their exceptional catalytic activity towards the oxidation of poisonous gasses emitted during the combustion of fossil fuels.
The science of nanomaterials is extremely rich and branches out into different disciplines, from solid state physics to nanoparticle chemistry, and materials science. To give a comprehensive overview of this field would be significantly beyond the scope of the EEM course. Instead, we will touch upon some of the major fields of applications of nanomaterials for energy (heterogeneous catalysis, photocatalysis, and storage in batteries), while also working together to build up a solid physical understanding of how their properties differ from their macroscopic “bulk” counterparts.
Bulk materials: periodicity, correlations, and emergence
Together with learning about the effects of downscaling, we will also focus on bulk (volumic) materials with infinite, periodic lattice structures. We will uncover the role of lattice symmetry in materials science as it is the main ingredient and driving force of many macroscopic physical properties. We will introduce two approaches to evaluate electronic properties of solids: 1) localized molecular orbitals in complex oxides (crystal field effect) and 2) delocalized quasi-free electron behavior in the periodic lattice that is considered within band theory. Then we will exemplify how these interaction principles constitute physical properties (electronic, thermoelectric, and magnetic) of various classes of (quantum) bulk materials for energy applications. We will conclude with a brief overview of preparation techniques that can be applied to tailor the materials towards desired functionalities, to modify their periodic lattices in-situ, and of characterization methods that allow to trace these conversion processes.
All course material will be available in Canvas
Blended learning. You will be asked to come prepared for each lecture, through reading and exercise assignments in Canvas (via the Assignments tab). During lectures we will also work on selected problems and discuss difficulties of the materials you studied.
Activity |
Number of hours |
Lectures |
42 |
Self study |
84 |
Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).
Additional requirements for this course:
Attendance is required. The in-class activities involve significant discussion and depend on everyone's engagement. If a serious circumstance prevents you from attending, email the coordinator dr. Andrea Baldi (a.baldi@vu.nl), in which case one, and only one, absence can be compensated by an alternative form of participation (determined in consultation with the coordinator). Any further absences may result in failure of the course.
Item and weight | Details |
Final grade | |
0.65 (65%) Tentamen | Must be ≥ 5.5, Mandatory |
0.35 (35%) Canvas Assignments | Must be ≥ 5.5, Mandatory |
Final grade after retake | |
0.65 (65%) Hertentamen | Must be ≥ 5.5, Mandatory |
0.35 (35%) Canvas Assignments | Must be ≥ 5.5, Mandatory |
The final grade will be an average of your final exam (65%) and of your overall score of the assignments (35%). The final exam will be on Monday, October 21.
All reading and exercise assignments will be made available via Canvas.
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
Week | Topics |
1 | Course intro, crystallography and surface science for nanomaterials |
2 | Nanomaterials: properties, synthesis, and characterization |
3 | Intro to crystallography for periodic solids, Intro to band theory of solids, Molecular orbitals & crystal field splitting |
4 | Magnetism: theory, Magnetism: applications, Bulk methods of synthesis and experimental characterization |
5 | Nanomaterials for catalysis, photocatalysis, and energy storage |
6 | Bulk solids for thermoelectric applications, Bulk solids with quantum conductivity for energy applications, Intercalation of bulk solids and topochemical conversion |
7 | Q&A session, research seminars, and lab visits |
8 | Exam |