Electrochemistry
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide a thorough cultural preparation in the different aspects of electrochemistry, both theoretical and experimental, as well as a mastery of the scientific method of Investigation and a wide autonomy in the design of electrochemical processes.
In this context, the course aims to recall the basics of thermodynamics and kinetics, electrochemistry, and to provide students with insights on specific parameters that control the electrolytic process, both for the transformation of chemical energy into electrical energy and the transformation of electrical energy to chemical energy. In addition, the aim of the course is for students to acquire knowledge and understand innovative electrochemical processes applied to energy conversion and environmental treatments.
In this context, the course aims to recall the basics of thermodynamics and kinetics, electrochemistry, and to provide students with insights on specific parameters that control the electrolytic process, both for the transformation of chemical energy into electrical energy and the transformation of electrical energy to chemical energy. In addition, the aim of the course is for students to acquire knowledge and understand innovative electrochemical processes applied to energy conversion and environmental treatments.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will be able to define and calculate the potentials of the galvanic and cell semi-elements, understand the parameters that affect the overpotentials, the effect of the solvent and the electrolyte, and the fundamental parameters of the limit law of Debye-Huckel; will be able to use the Butler Volmer equation and the Tafel line. It will include the use of semiconductors as electrodes. He will master the processes of energy conversion and membrane processes
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course topics are:
· concept of electrochemical and thermodynamic reversibility;
· thermodynamics of the galvanic cell;
· the Volta, surface and Galvani potentials; the electrochemical potential;
· formation of the electric double layer; thermodynamics of the interphase: the electrocapillary curve. The models of Helmholtz, Guy-Chapmann and Stern. Adsorption of anions. Plots of excess surface charge density as a function of polarization;
· Debye Huckel's theory. The limit law and the extended law. The limits of the D-H theory;
· electrochemical kinetics: Butler Volmer equation and Tafel plot. The Morse curves. The symmetry factor and the exchange current density;
· multistep multielectron electrochemical reactions. The transfer coefficient;
· the limiting current density;
· semiconductor electrodes: the band bending. Photoelectrochemistry;
· advanced energy conversion systems;
· membrane processes: electrodialysis and electro-electrodialysis;
· electroxidation processes using both mineralizing and non-mineralizing electrodes;
· the Pourbaix diagrams.
Laboratory experiences
1. Energy conversion: water electrolysis and fuel cell.
2. Electrodeposition of copper.
3. Electro-electrodialysis of a sodium sulphate solution.
4. Electro-oxidation of organic pollutants with mineralizing and non-mineralizing electrodes
· concept of electrochemical and thermodynamic reversibility;
· thermodynamics of the galvanic cell;
· the Volta, surface and Galvani potentials; the electrochemical potential;
· formation of the electric double layer; thermodynamics of the interphase: the electrocapillary curve. The models of Helmholtz, Guy-Chapmann and Stern. Adsorption of anions. Plots of excess surface charge density as a function of polarization;
· Debye Huckel's theory. The limit law and the extended law. The limits of the D-H theory;
· electrochemical kinetics: Butler Volmer equation and Tafel plot. The Morse curves. The symmetry factor and the exchange current density;
· multistep multielectron electrochemical reactions. The transfer coefficient;
· the limiting current density;
· semiconductor electrodes: the band bending. Photoelectrochemistry;
· advanced energy conversion systems;
· membrane processes: electrodialysis and electro-electrodialysis;
· electroxidation processes using both mineralizing and non-mineralizing electrodes;
· the Pourbaix diagrams.
Laboratory experiences
1. Energy conversion: water electrolysis and fuel cell.
2. Electrodeposition of copper.
3. Electro-electrodialysis of a sodium sulphate solution.
4. Electro-oxidation of organic pollutants with mineralizing and non-mineralizing electrodes
Prerequisites for admission
Good knowledge of classical thermodynamics and kinetics.
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures.
Ariel website to download the slides presented and discussed during lectures
Ariel website to download the slides presented and discussed during lectures
Teaching Resources
The Power Point slides presented and discussed in classroom are available on the ARIEL platform.
Recommended books:
· J.O.M. Bockris, A.K.N. Reddy "Modern Electrochemistry - 2A" Kluwer Academic Publishers;
· M. A. Brett and A. M. Oliveira Brett, "ELECTROCHEMISTRY: Principles, Methods, and Applications" Oxford University Press.
· Allen J. Bard, Larry R. Faulkner; "ELECTROCHEMICAL METHODS: Fundamentals and Applications" - Wiley and Sons INC, New York.
Recommended books:
· J.O.M. Bockris, A.K.N. Reddy "Modern Electrochemistry - 2A" Kluwer Academic Publishers;
· M. A. Brett and A. M. Oliveira Brett, "ELECTROCHEMISTRY: Principles, Methods, and Applications" Oxford University Press.
· Allen J. Bard, Larry R. Faulkner; "ELECTROCHEMICAL METHODS: Fundamentals and Applications" - Wiley and Sons INC, New York.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral:
· the student's ability to illustrate, to comment and to discuss the electrochemical phenomena and equations presented during the lectures will be tested;
· students will be asked to discuss the graphs presented during lectures, related with the illustrated electrochemical phenomena;
· the ability to solve exercises and problems related to the topics covered during lectures will be verified;
· the data collected during the laboratory experiences must be discussed and processed in excel files that must be delivered to the professor before the exam.
· the student's ability to illustrate, to comment and to discuss the electrochemical phenomena and equations presented during the lectures will be tested;
· students will be asked to discuss the graphs presented during lectures, related with the illustrated electrochemical phenomena;
· the ability to solve exercises and problems related to the topics covered during lectures will be verified;
· the data collected during the laboratory experiences must be discussed and processed in excel files that must be delivered to the professor before the exam.
CHIM/02 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Laboratories: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Longhi Mariangela
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Longhi MariangelaProfessor(s)