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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, Dr. Alessandro Senocrate

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:02:05

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 students will (1) understand the fundamentals of electronic and ionic charge transport, (2) understand the operational principles of solar cells, batteries, and electrolysers, and (3) understand fundamental limits for each device type. In addition, the students will learn how to simulate these devices during guided exercise sessions and develop an intuitive understanding on how to interpret the most important device characteristics.

Resources

Literature

P. Würfel, Physics of Solar Cells: From Principles to New Concepts, DOI:10.1002/9783527618545 J. Newman, Electrochemical Systems, ISBN 978-1-119-51460-2 R. Huggins, Advanced Batteries, DOI:10.1007/9780387764245

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 90 minutes
Aids: None

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Charge Transport in Energy Conversion and Storage Devices	Fri 10:15-12:00 (ML E 12)	2 h weekly
exercise	Charge Transport in Energy Conversion and Storage Devices	Fri 12:15-14:00 (ML E 12)	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.)
  - Energy and Power Electronics (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Energy and Power Electronics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialisation Courses (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Energy and Power Electronics", 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.)
    - Energy and Power Electronics
      - Recommended Subjects (These courses are recommended, but you are free to choose courses from any other special field. Please consult your tutor.)