Electrochemical energy conversion/storage systems consist of various materials including electrodes (anode/cathode active materials with binder and carbon additive), separator, and electrolytes. The reaction behavior mainly depends on these materials. Therefore, materials’ structures before/after reaction are being studied intensively, resulting in impressive improvements in analysis techniques. In this course, we will study battery materials’ structural changes (crystal, nanometer scale structure, surface, etc.) in electrochemical energy conversion/storage systems. In detail, we will look at nano-structuring methods and characterization tools for understanding reaction mechanisms and performance for various materials including electrodes, separators, and electrolytes.

In order to develop advanced materials for electrochemical energy conversion/storage applications, it is important to understand and adjust materials’ structural properties. In addition, in/ex situ analysis techniques of various electrode materials have been regarded as core techniques for state-of-art research. In this course, we will focus on the characterization techniques for battery materials and nanomaterials, which require precise analysis methods. Students will study various strategies for nanomaterials’ synthesis & prove of fine structure by various characterization methods, and analysis techniques to investigate reaction mechanisms of electrochemical energy conversion/storage systems.

Students are expected to have the “basic knowledge” about General Chemistry, Inorganic/Organic chemistry, and electrochemistry.
This course will cover nanomaterials' synthesis and characterizations. So, I am not recommend students who already studied "Nanomaterials for energy applications" to attend this class.

Attendance (15), Attitude (15), Individual project (midterm assignment, 30), Final term exam (40)

1- Lecture information and course overview
2, 3- Introduction to nanomaterials
4- Nanocrystals & Nanostructured Materials's formation mechanism
5- Growth mechanism in nanometer scale
6- Synthesis processes for Nanoparticles
7- Fine control of nanomaterials
8- Mid-Term
9- Structural characterization methods (Morphology)
10- Structural characterization methods (Surface properties)
11- Structural characterization methods (Spectroscopy)
12- Applications (Energy storage)
13- Electrochemical chracterization methods of energy materials
14- Presentation (paper review) Individual presentation
15- Presentation (paper review) Individual presentation
16- Final-Term Exam

Lectures, students' presentation, exam