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PhD course in sustainable electrofuels and -chemicals

47519
Physics and Energy

About this course

The transition of the energy sector from fossil-based fuels and resources to renewable resources and energy will significantly change the energy system of the future. Several technologies with different technology readiness levels are currently under development to make this transition happen; however, technical solutions and concepts still have to be developed and benchmarked against each other and existing technologies. But what are sustainable renewable resources and which technologies are sustainable in the long run? Storing electrical energy in synthetically derived fuels and chemicals through so-called “Power-to-X” technologies is currently seen as an important and promising route ahead. A focal point is thus the increased electrification and the options for chemical energy storage and commodity chemical production. In a project-based approach, the course will provide insight into the various technical concepts for synthetic fuels and chemicals based on renewable and bio resources. The course consists of lectures addressing the general concepts and methodologies as well as individual student projects, addressing selected topics related to the synthesis of sustainable fuels and chemicals. The students will choose a specific topic or research project of interest to be analyzed in more detail especially as regards the technical concept and the sustainability aspects, and the results will be presented and discussed in plenum.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the learner will be able to: , Describe the concept/definition of sustainability , Overview the main pathways for sustainable fuels and chemicals , Identify drivers from the market and the energy system , Understand the concept of main industrial routes to synthetic fuels , Place traditional industrial processes into sustainable fuel and chemicals context , Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of several electrochemical cell concepts , Understand electrochemical; catalytic and electrocatalytic processes , Describe actual initiatives and concrete research attempts , Evaluate the ongoing research activities (e.g. national and international R&D projects as regards their sustainability aspects).

Enrolment details

This course is graded pass/not pass

Examination

The student projects will be evaluated during the course based on the students' final project presentations in plenum.

Course requirements

Basic knowledge in electrochemistry and catalysis is advantageous

Resources

Activities

The course will be using distance learning as weLectures, exercises and group discussions will mostly be conducted via online streaming, while project work on special topics is expected to take place in physical meetings.

Additional information

  • Credits
    ECTS 5
  • Level
    Doctoral
  • Contact hours per week
    4
  • Instructors
    Poul Norby, Anke Hagen
If anything remains unclear, please check the FAQ of DTU (Denmark).

Offering(s)

  • Start date

    6 February 2025

    • Ends
      12 May 2025
    • Term *
      Spring 2025
    • Location
      Online
    • Instruction language
    Enrolment period not yet defined
These offerings are valid for students of TUM (Germany)