The Module aims to lay the scientific foundations and provide the tools for the preparation and characterization of new materials. Reference will be made to the structure of materials and their resulting technological importance. The use of these materials for energy production and storage will be reported. The necessary definitions and terminology will be given for the smooth running of the course. A general reference will be made to the properties of the materials. Definitions of properties such as electrical conductivity, an understanding of how microstructure influences the thermal conductivity of materials and their resistance to electrochemical stress and thermal shock will be given.

A detailed reference will also be made to the electrical properties of the materials. Definitions will be given and phenomena related to structure and electrical conductivity will be explained (Ohm's Law, conductors and semiconductors, insulators and dielectric properties). Reference will be made to the mechanical properties of materials. Definitions will be given and phenomena of mechanical behavior at macroscales and at small length scales will be explained. A report will be made to various types of materials such as metallic materials, ceramics and glasses, polymers and composites, electronic, magnetic and photonic materials. Also, the application fields of each material will be discussed. A report will be made to materials for green forms of energy production as well as materials for sustainable development. Reference will be made to the corrosion and wear of the materials which ultimately determine the duration of their application. For the innovative integration of materials in a safe way in a design structure it is necessary to know the properties and functionality of the materials through the control of their structure and their processing techniques. For this reason, criteria will be documented for the selection of materials for innovative applications with an emphasis on environmental chemical engineering and the requirements arising from it.