Semiconductor Electrochemistry: Solar Cells and Photocatalysis
Syllabus, Master's level, 1FA590
- Code
- 1FA590
- Education cycle
- Second cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Materials Science A1N, Physics A1N
- Grading system
- Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 4 May 2017
- Responsible department
- Department of Physics and Astronomy
Entry requirements
120 credits including basic knowledge in atom and molecular physics or physical chemistry.
Learning outcomes
After completion of the course the student should be able to:
- explain the basic characteristics of semiconductor / electrolyte and semiconductor / molecule interfaces, using, for instance, suitable energy diagrams.
- discuss processes occurring at such interfaces, specifically those related to solar energy conversion in molecular solar cells and those related to photocatalysis.
- give design rules for specific applications of semiconductor electrochemistry.
- give an account of several experimental techniques for investigation of such interfaces as well as be able to explain one of these techniques in detail to peers.
Content
Principles of semiconductors. Semiconductor surfaces and solid-solid junctions. Basic electrochemical systems. Semiconductor electrolyte interface. Electron transfer reactions at surfaces. Dye-sensitisation and photocatalysis. Nanoparticles and nanostructured systems. Semiconducting molecular materials. Perovskite solar cells. Experimental techniques such as impedance spectroscopy, laser flash photolysis, transient photocurrent and photovoltage techniques, electron spectroscopy.
Instruction
Lectures with exercises. Problem solving classes.
Assessment
Written home examination (4 credits). Project work including a written report and presentation (1 credit).