MSE1058H S Nanotechnology in Alternate Energy Systems

Course Description: The unique surface properties and the ability to surface engineer nanocrystalline structures renders these materials to be ideal candidates for use in corrosion, catalysis and energy conversion devices. This course deals with the fabrication of materials suitable for use as protective coatings, and their specific exploitation in fields of hydrogen technologies (electrolysis, storage, and fuel cells) linked to renewables. These new devices are poised to have major impacts on power generation utilities, the automotive sector, and society at large. The differences in observed electrochemical behavior between amorphous, nanocrystalline and polycrystalline solid materials will be discussed in terms of their surface structure and surface chemistry. A major team design project along with demonstrative laboratory exercises constitutes a major portion of this course. 

Prerequisite: Familiarity with nanomaterials and nanostructures is desirable.
Exclusion: MSE558; MSE458
Course Texts:            

  • “Fuel Cell Fundamentals”, R. O’Hayre, S. Cha, W. Colella, and F. Prinz, John Wiley & Sons, NY, 2006 (recommended but not  required)
  • “Fuel Cell Systems Explained”, J. Larminie, A. Dicks,  John Wiley & Sons, NY, 2003 (recommended but not required)
  • “Alternate Energy Systems and Applications“, B.K. Hodge, John Wiley & Sons, NY, 2010 (recommended but not required

The combined enrolment of MSE458 and MSE1058 is capped at 20 students maximum.

Students will NOT be able to drop course after the first week due to the nature of the major design project in the course.

The unique team work required in the multidisciplinary nature of the design project of this course will necessitate its delivery in an in person mode only.