In order to design functional carbon-based materials for energy storage applications, it is important to understand the intrinsic properties of carbon and the strategies to make better materials. In this course, we will study the basic structural features of carbon and electrochemical energy storage systems which utilize various carbon materials. In particular, to foster research personnel specialized in secondary battery research, the course content related to secondary batteries has been further strengthened. Students will study general electrochemistry and various techniques for nanomaterials’ preparation, characterization, and their energy storage applications.

Electrochemical energy storage systems use various carbonaceous materials. In lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitor systems, carbon materials can be applied not only as active materials (for energy storage) and additives (as conductive electrodes), but also as support materials for next-generation battery systems. Therefore, these materials are being studied intensively, leading to impressive improvements in energy storage systems. In this course, students will study (i) a general introduction to energy storage systems and (ii) the intrinsic properties of carbon materials and strategies to tailor their structures for energy storage applications. In detail, we will cover materials’ precursors, properties of carbon, types of carbon materials, characterization tools, and performance in energy storage applications.

Students are expected to have the “basic knowledge” about General Chemistry, Inorganic/Organic chemistry, and electrochemistry.

Materials Science and Engineering of Carbon: Fundamentals

1- Lecture information and course overview
2- Properties & structures of Carbons
3- Carbon materials in Industry
4- Synthesis processes and formation mechanisms of carbons
5- Carbon texture
6- Synthesis of carbon materials, vapor/liquid/solid synthesis
7- 3-dimensional structure of carbons
8- Mid-Term
9- Graphitization
10- Hard & Soft carbons
11- Porosity in carbons
12- Analysis of carbon materials
13- Lithium ion battery applications
14- Hydrogen production & Fuel cell applications
15- Carbon electrochemistry
16- Final-Term Exam

Lecture & individiual presentation (Mid-term)