Electrochemistry
A.Y. 2025/2026
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 industrial production of important intermediates.
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. He/She will be able to use the Butler Volmer equation and the Tafel line. The student will know the different materials used as electrodes for inner-sphere and outer-sphere reactions. He will master the processes of energy conversion and industrial processes, as chloralkali, production of adiponitrile and electrodeposition.
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:
- Review of basic concept of electrochemical thermodynamics: 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; the Pourbaix diagrams.
- Review of basic concepts of electrochemical kinetics applied to monostep-monoelectron reaction: Butler Volmer equation and Tafel plot. The Morse curves. The symmetry factor and the exchange current density; reaction order
- Multistep multielectron electrochemical reactions. The transfer coefficient.
- Marcus Theory.
- The limiting current density and modification of fundamental equations of electrochemical kinetics when RDS is mass transfer.
- Electrocatalysis and reaction mechanisms. In particular, the mechanisms for the hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution/reduction, and for some organic reactions will be analyzed.
- Industrial electrochemical processes. The chloralkali process, the electrodeposition processes, and finally the adiponitrile production process will be analyzed.
- Advanced energy conversion systems.
- Review of basic concept of electrochemical thermodynamics: 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; the Pourbaix diagrams.
- Review of basic concepts of electrochemical kinetics applied to monostep-monoelectron reaction: Butler Volmer equation and Tafel plot. The Morse curves. The symmetry factor and the exchange current density; reaction order
- Multistep multielectron electrochemical reactions. The transfer coefficient.
- Marcus Theory.
- The limiting current density and modification of fundamental equations of electrochemical kinetics when RDS is mass transfer.
- Electrocatalysis and reaction mechanisms. In particular, the mechanisms for the hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution/reduction, and for some organic reactions will be analyzed.
- Industrial electrochemical processes. The chloralkali process, the electrodeposition processes, and finally the adiponitrile production process will be analyzed.
- Advanced energy conversion systems.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic concepts of thermodynamics and kinetics.
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures. Ariel website to download the slides presented and discussed during lectures
Teaching Resources
Verranno messe a disposizione sulla piattaforma ARIEL le presentazioni Power Point presentate e discusse a lezione.Testi raccomandati:
- 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.
- A. J. Bard, L. R. Faulkner; "Electrochemical Methods: Fundamentals and Applications" - Wiley and Sons INC, New York.
- C.H. Hamann, A. Hamnett, W. Vielstich, "Electrochemistry, Wiley-VCH
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.
- A. J. Bard, L. R. Faulkner; "Electrochemical Methods: Fundamentals and Applications" - Wiley and Sons INC, New York.
- C.H. Hamann, A. Hamnett, W. Vielstich, "Electrochemistry, Wiley-VCH
- 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.
- A. J. Bard, L. R. Faulkner; "Electrochemical Methods: Fundamentals and Applications" - Wiley and Sons INC, New York.
- C.H. Hamann, A. Hamnett, W. Vielstich, "Electrochemistry, Wiley-VCH
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.
- A. J. Bard, L. R. Faulkner; "Electrochemical Methods: Fundamentals and Applications" - Wiley and Sons INC, New York.
- C.H. Hamann, A. Hamnett, W. Vielstich, "Electrochemistry, Wiley-VCH
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;
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment via email
Office