Entry requirements

Degree at the basic level corresponding to at least 180 credits, including 75 credits within chemistry, physics, materials science and/or engineering, including 30 credits in chemistry. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to: 

• describe the molecular structure, chemical bonding, and key characteristics of metallic, inorganic and polymer solid state materials found in batteries and relate them to their physicochemical properties and application,
• identify specific crystal structures by applying basic crystallographic concepts,
• recognise different types of crystal defects and relate the presence of defects in a material to its physicochemical properties and application,
• discuss and interpret unary, binary, and ternary phase diagrams and explain key concepts in connection to phase transformation, metastability and solid solutions,
• discuss typical diffusion mechanisms particularly for the solid state, as well as describe and apply relevant models for analysing such diffusion phenomena,
• discuss concepts of surface chemistry and interfaces between different phases, particularly in relation to battery materials,
• explain central concepts relating to the electronic properties of materials such as redox potential and conductivity, based on their electronic structure,
• discuss the use of polymers in batteries and relate their properties to their function,
• analyse properties (e.g. diffusion coefficient, redox potential, etc.) of materials experimentally and relate them to their structure, bonding and other characteristics.

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Content

An overview of materials used in batteries, with descriptions of their properties and function in a battery. Fundamentals regarding the solid state, including selected structural examples. An overview of material categories, properties, and how the structure of solids can be described through the use of crystallography. Connections between chemical structure / bonding and material properties (particularly for common battery materials). Defects, doping, substitutions and the role of grain boundaries. Interpretation of unary, binary and ternary phase diagrams. Basic thermodynamics of materials including the concepts of metastability, solid solutions, and phase transformations. Basic diffusion theory, as applied to the solid state, liquids and at interfaces. Electronic properties of materials, including conductivity, band structure and the link between bonding, structure and redox properties. Crystal field theory. Aspects of polymer science, particularly for polymers used in batteries, including descriptions of morphology, crystallinity, mechanical properties and polymer solutions. 

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Instruction

Lectures, seminars and laboratory work.

Assessment

Written test at the end of the course (6 credits). Active participation in seminars (2 credits). Active participation in the laboratory classes (2 credits). 

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.

Other regulations

Courses which cannot be included in the degree together with Materials Chemistry for Batteries: 

- Materials Chemistry 1KB210 

- Solid State Chemistry 1KB211 

- Materials Chemistry 1KB230 

- Materials Chemistry for Additive Manufacturing 1KB233 

- Polymer Technology 1KB236