Every winter semester
10 Credit points
For information on the duration of the modul, refer to the courses of study in which the module is used.
In this module, students acquire basic knowledge for understanding fossil and renewable energies. Students will be able to describe concepts of the conversion of forms of energy that are necessary for understanding the generation of renewable energy. They learn to apply the basic processes of natural photosynthesis to the technically usable conversion of sunlight into storable energy in the form of electrical and chemical energy. Students will be able to discuss current and future energy supply problems and evaluate alternative courses of action. They will be able to recognize misinterpretations in the public debate and explain the basic principles of renewable energy production and storage to the general public.
The module content revolves around the generation, conversion and storage of renewable energies (solar, wind, biomass, waste heat). The basics of electrochemistry are covered (Nernst, Faraday, electrochemical cells, electrolytes, electrical double layer, electrode reactions, overvoltage and internal resistance, cyclovoltametry, coulometry, spectroelectrochemistry and electrolysis). Natural photosynthesis serves as an example for understanding the basic principles of energy conversion of sunlight into chemical energy in the form of reduction equivalents by means of photochemistry and charge separation in photosystem II. For the application of these principles in photovoltaics, basic principles of non-conductors/semiconductors/conductors, band gaps and their application from the Grätzel cell to the perovskite solar cell are discussed. (Rechargeable) batteries, alkaline systems, lead-acid batteries, Li-ion batteries, metal-air elements, metal-hydrogen elements are discussed for storing electrical energy. The principles of artificial photosynthesis for conversion into chemical energy such as H2 and E-fuels as well as water electrolysis are discussed. The conversion of chemically stored energy into electrical energy is discussed using the example of fuel cells (hydrogen fuel cells, polymer electrolyte fuel cells, alkaline fuel cells, direct fuel cells).
Advanced knowledge of inorganic and physical chemistry
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Module structure: 1 bPr 1
| Degree programme | Recommended start 3 | Duration | Mandatory option 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sustainable Chemistry / Master of Science [FsB vom 05.03.2026, gültig ab Wintersemester 2026/27] | 1. | 2 semesters | Obligation |
The system can perform an automatic check for completeness for this module.