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227-0619-00L 6 Credits MSC D-MATL , D-ITET

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Charge Transport in Energy Conversion and Storage Devices

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Corsin Battaglia

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:36:27

Abstract

The students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of charge transport in solar cells, batteries, and electrolysers. Emphasizing analogies between semiconductor physics and electrochemistry, this course is designed to provide a unified modern perspective of energy conversion and storage concepts for students in electrical engineering, materials science, physics, and chemistry.

Objective

By the end of this course, the student is expected to be able (1) to list the equations governing charge transport in solar cells and battery cells, (2) to explain their operational principles and fundamental performance limits and how to overcome them, (3) to interpret current-voltage and charge-voltage characteristics of solar cells and battery cells along with other device characteristics under different operating conditions. During the exercises, the students will learn to simulate realistic solar cell and battery architectures from materials properties.

Resources

Literature

P. Würfel, Physics of Solar Cells: From Principles to New Concepts, DOI:10.1002/9783527618545 R. Huggins, Advanced Batteries, DOI:10.1007/9780387764245 R. Huggins, Energy Storage, DOI:10.1007/9781441910240

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 30 minutes

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Charge Transport in Energy Conversion and Storage Devices	Fri 10:15-12:00 (CAB G 11)	2 h weekly
exercise	Charge Transport in Energy Conversion and Storage Devices	Fri 12:15-14:00 (CAB G 11)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Materials Science Master
- Elective Courses (The students are free to choose individually from the entire course offer of ETH Zürich on the Master level. Please consult the study administration in case of questions.)
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2018)
  - Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialisation Courses (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Electronics and Photonics", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2008)
  - Major Courses (A total of 42 CP must be achieved during the Master Programme. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Electronics and Photonics
      - Recommended Subjects (These courses are recommended, but you are free to choose courses from any other special field. Please consult your tutor.)