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

Charge Transport in Energy Conversion and Storage

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Corsin Battaglia, Dr. Alessandro Senocrate
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:42

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

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 No time listed 2 h weekly
exercise Charge Transport in Energy Conversion and Storage No time listed 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
    • 01 - Courses of specializations
      • Track: 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. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
      • Track: Electric Energy Engineering (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Electric Energy Engineering", 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. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
  • Energy Science and Technology Master
    • Electives (These courses are particularly recommended, other ETH-courses from the field of Energy Science and Technology at large may be chosen in accordance with your tutor.)