To acquire basic understanding of the nanotechnology systems and materials which are relevant for energy applications, in particular of: - the methods for synthesis and growth of the nano-materials, their physical-chemical properties - the basic principles of the devices, the evaluation and the comparison of their performances, the technological steps for their fabrication - the principal characterization techniques for materials and devices

- General physics (mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetisms, optics) - Fundamentals of chemistry, electronics and materials science

INTRODUCTION (0.5 ECTs) The energy challenge: overview of the worldwide panorama, discussion of the IEA and EU documents roadmaps, potential applications of nanotechnologies. ENERGY HARVESTING (2.5 ECTs) Photovoltaics: the basic principles and the characterization techniques. Solar cells:p-n junctions and thin films, nanotechnologies for 1st and 2nd generation, Dye sensitized, Organic and Perovskites solar cells. Piezoelectric Materials and Devices; Thermoelectrics; Fuel cells. Blue Energy   ENERGY STORAGE (1.5 ECTs) Supercapacitors for electrochemical storage; Solar water splitting and artiphicial photosynthesis reactors for H2 and/or biofuels production. EXPERIMENTAL LABORATORIES (1.5 ECTs) Safety rules in a lab; fabrication and characterization of photovoltaic devices; fabrication and characterization of supercapacitors

The course involves class lectures and few class exercises (for a total of 4.5 ECTs). Class exercises include simple problem solving activities, with strict connections to theoretical lectures. The experimental laboratory activity (1.5 ECTs) consists of an experimental "hands-on" session at Nanoscience Lab. of DISAT – Department of Applied Science and Technology, where students, in small groups and under professor supervision, will implement simple experiments on nanomaterials growth, on dye sensitized solar cells/supercapacitors assembly and characterizations of materials and devices. For the students that will not be able to follow the experimental lab a homework will be proposed. In case of long-distance teaching: - homeworks and exercises to be solved at home will be proposed at the end of the theoretical lessons, and will give the opportunity of gaining additional points on the final mark. - the experimental lab will be substituted by a "VIRTUAL LAB" in which (interactive) videos of the experiments and obtained experimental data will be given, for preparation of the reports.

Lecture notes and selected scientific papers given by the teacher Suggested books: - J.Garcia-Martinez ��Nanotechnology for the energy challenge�g,Ed. Wiley, 2013 - F.L. De Souza, E.R. Leite ��Nanoenergy: Nanotechnology Applied for Energy Production�h, Ed. Springer, 2014 - J.Lambauer, A. Voss, U. Fahl, ��Nanotechnology and Energy: Science, Promises and Limits�h, Pan Stanford Publ., Taylor & Francis, 2012

Exam: Written test; Compulsory oral exam;

The written exam consists in two-three open questions on the subjects developed during the course. The duration will be 1h. It is not possible the use of textbooks, slides and other didactic material during the written test. It is necessary to obtain at least 15 poiints in the written etst for admission to the oral. The ORAL exam is mandatory, it will consist of two parts: - questions on the subjects developed during the theoretical lessons of the course, and analysis of the results obtained in homeworks and exercises (the maximum obtainable mark in this part is 22/30). - analysis of the lab reports and oral discussion on the lab activity; the maximum obtainable mark in this part is 8/30 (that will be summed to the mark obtained in the first part).

In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.