Materials Science and Chemical Energy: Application of Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics to Modeling Energy Storage Systems

Course 16: Materials Science and Chemical Energy: Application of Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics to Modeling Energy Storage Systems

I. Course Description

Electrochemical energy is a technology that converother energy into electricity through electrochemical reactions. It is a very important innovation in the field of clean energy. Common electrochemical energy devices include batteries and fuel cells. This course focuses on the basic theories and applications of battery materials, especially the electrochemical reaction processes and energy storage systems. The course covers key principles in battery technology, such as thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, electrochemical reaction kinetics, and interfacial phenomena. Students will learn deeply how lithium-ion batteries work, especially the cathode, anode materials and electrolytes, and will also explore the electrochemical properties of proton exchange membrane fuel cells and solid oxide fuel cells. This course will help students understand the various design and optimization strategies in battery technology that drive the development of clean energy and sustainable technologies.

This course aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of battery materials and electrochemical energy storage technologies to help students master the basic principles of battery design, optimization, and application. By introducing core concepts from basic thermodynamics to statistical dynamics to electrochemical reaction kinetics, students will have a comprehensive understanding of how batteries work and be able to use the knowledge to analyze and solve practical problems in battery technology. Through group tasks and case analysis, students will explore how to improve battery performance, extend service life in practical application, and provide theoretical support for the development of new battery materials.

II. Professor Introduction

Erik Luijten – Northwestern University

Erik Luijten Professor He is currently a tenured professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University, associate Dean of Research and doctoral Education at the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University, and dean of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University. He is currently the head of the The Computational Soft Matter Lab experimental team.

Of the American Physical Society and won the National Science Foundation CAREER Award

III. Syllabus

1. Introduction to thermodynamic principles and statistical mechanics
2. Electrochemical basis
3. Interface electrolyte; Poisson-Boltzmann equation
4. Electrochemical reaction kinetics
5. Lithium-ion batteries: cathode and anode
6. Lithium-ion battery: electrolyte
7. Battery storage efficiency; charge and discharge cycle
8. Proton exchange membrane fuel cell
9. Solid oxide fuel cells
10. Electrochemical storage modeling