Course content

The crystal structure of solids, phase transformations and relations between crystal structure and functional properties. Applications of semi conductors in electronics, optics and photovoltaic cells. Ionic conductors in batteries, sensors and fuel cells. Materials for energy technology. Applications of magnetic, dielectric, electronic and optical materials. Ferro- and piezoelectric materials. Where necessary for understanding material challenges and their implementation in devices, a brief introduction to the synthesis of some functional materials will be included.

Learning outcome

After completion of the course the student should be able to: - Give a qualitative description of the simples and most common crystal structures of inorganic materials and have basic knowledge of symmetry operations in order to be able to describe the different point groups and space groups. - Classify and charactrise different phase transitions - Relate phase transitions, crystal structure and crystal symmetry to the different functional properties covered. - Describe microscopic mechanisms for electronic conductivity in metals, semiconductors, and insulators. In addition, the student should be able to name specific examples of materials that exhibit these properties. - Name several different ionic conducting materials and describe microscopic mechanisms for ionic and mixed conductivity in addition to writing down defect equilibrium equations. - Describe microscopic mechanisms for ferroelectricity, ferromagnetism, in addition to related dielectric and magnetic properties. The student should be able to describe specific materials exhibiting dielectric and magnetic properties. - Relate crystal structure and electronic structure to optical and thermal properties. - Predict electronic, dielectric, magnetic, optical and thermal properties based on the acquired knowledge. - Name several different applications for different functional materials. - Identify which functional properties would be required for different technological applications and be able to propose specific materials suitable for the application in question.

Learning methods and activities

The teaching is based on lectures and exercises. The exercises are voluntary. An oral presentation of the group project is compulsory. The final grade is determined by 75% final examination and 25% project work. If the teaching is given in English the Examination papers will be given in English only. Students are free to choose Norwegian or English for their answers to the final written exam. Expected time spent: Lectures: 60 hours, exercises: 30 hours, project work: 30 hours, self study: 95 hours.

Compulsory assignments

• Oral presentation of group work

Recommended previous knowledge

Inorganic Chemistry/Materials Chemistry, Materials Science, Solid State Physics or similar courses.

Course materials

Will be announced at the beginning of the semester.