Electronic and Optical Properties of Energy Materials

Graduate / Professional

This course explores the electronic and optical properties of materials from the perspective of electronic and molecular structure with a special focus on the microscopic origin and design of properties of interest for energy harvesting, storage, and transport. The course begins by briefly introducing concepts in quantum mechanics, such as wave functions and the time-independent Schrödinger equations. Then, we explore electronic structure in the context of designing materials for energy harvesting and generation, such as photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, and piezoelectrics. We also study dynamical processes, such as hot electron relaxation, multi-exciton generation, charge transport, and energy transport at a phenomenological level. Finally, we overview common energy storage materials, with a focus on solid-state batteries and solar fuels. TTh 9am-10:15am