529-0659-00L  Electrochemistry: Fundamentals, Cells & Applications

Courses

Catalogue data

Abstract	Introduction to electrochemistry from a physical chemistry point of view, focusing on thermodynamics & kinetics of electrochemical reactions, and engineering aspects of electrochemical cells. The topics are of generic nature yet also discussed in the context of specific applications in industrial electrochemistry, energy storage and conversion, electroanalytical techniques, sensors and corrosion.
Learning objective	The course establishes the fundamentals to understand and describe electrochemical reactions and phenomena related to these. The students are familiarized with key concepts and approaches in electrochemistry and selected aspects of materials science and engineering and how they are put to use in selected applications.
Content	- Introduction: important quantities & units, terminology; - Chapter I - Redox reactions, Faraday’s laws; - Chapter II - Equilibrium electrochemistry: cells, galvanic and electrolytic cells, thermodynamic state functions, theoretical cell voltage, half-cell / electrode potential, hydrogen electrode, the electrochemical series, Nernst equation; - Chapter III - Electrodes & interfaces: electrochemical potential, phase potentials, work function, Fermi level, the electrified interface, the electrochemical double layer, reference electrodes and laboratory cells; - Chapter IV - Electrolytes: conductivity, aqueous electrolytes, transference effects, liquid junctions, polymer electrolytes, ion-exchange membranes, Donnan exclusion, solid state ion conductors; - Chapter V - Dynamic electrochemistry: overpotentials, description of charge-transfer reaction, Butler-Volmer and Tafel equation, exchange current density, mass transport limitations; - Chapter VI - Industrial electrochemistry: electrochemical engineering, process and reactor types, current density distribution, porous electrodes, chlor-alkali and HCl electrolysis, oxygen depolarized cathode; - Chapter VII - Energy storage & conversion: important primary and secondary battery chemistries, fuel cells, polymer electrolyte fuel cells, low temperature H2 and O2 electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, triple-phase boundary, solid oxide fuel cell, conversion efficiency; - Chapter VIII - Electroanalytical methods & sensors: potentiometry, amperometry, cyclic and stripping voltammetry, rotating disc electrode studies, electrochemical sensors; - Chapter IX - Corrosion: corrosion reactions, Pourbaix diagram, corrosion potential, passivation, corrosion protection
Lecture notes	lecture notes, lecture slides, exercise & solutions (PDF files)
Literature	- C.H. Hamann, A. Hamnett, W. Vielstich, Electrochemistry, Wiley-VCH 2007 (2nd Edition), ISBN: 978-3-527-31069-2 [German version available as well] - T.F. Fuller, J.N. Harb, Electrochemical Engineering, Wiley 2018, ISBN: 978-1-119-00425-7
Prerequisites / Notice	Students should be familiar with the fundamentals of physical chemistry.
Competencies	Subject-specific Competencies Concepts and Theories assessed Techniques and Technologies assessed Method-specific Competencies Analytical Competencies fostered Decision-making fostered Problem-solving fostered Social Competencies Communication assessed Cooperation and Teamwork fostered Self-presentation and Social Influence fostered Personal Competencies Adaptability and Flexibility fostered Creative Thinking fostered Critical Thinking fostered Integrity and Work Ethics fostered Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered Self-direction and Self-management fostered

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
ECTS credits	6 credits
Examiners	L. Gubler
Type	session examination
Language of examination	English
Repetition	The performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit.
Mode of examination	oral 30 minutes
Additional information on mode of examination	Exam language is English. provided (PDF for download) in the lecture: – Periodic table of elements – Electrochemical series – Electrochemical terminology English - German - Students can submit 13 exercises, which will be corrected and assessed (0-2 points). - Students can also present solutions on the blackboard (2 points). - If a score of >=13 P is achieved, the student receives a grade bonus of 0.25 grade points.
This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding.

Learning materials

Groups

Restrictions

Offered in

Programme	Section	Type
Chemistry Bachelor	Chemical Aspects of Energy	W
Chemical and Bioengineering Master	Environment and Energy	W
Materials Science Master	Elective Courses	W