Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student should be able to

• apply Nernst equation and the Tafel equation to different electrochemical systems
• define the term overpotential, explain its origin and the relationship between current and potential for some types of electrochemical cells
• predict how the conductivity of an electrolyte depends on the electrolyte concentration and type and explain the origin of ion conductivity in some solid electrolytes
• apply some common electrochemical methods to electrochemical systems and explain which type of information that can be obtained with these techniques
• describe different types of corrosion as well as explain the origin and course of the corrosion processes
• record polarisation curves for different materials and explain which type of information that can be obtained with this technique
• calculate corrosion rates and describe some common methods used to prevent or control corrosion processes
• explain the function of batteries and fuel cells and describe some common electrochemical processes of industrial importance

Content

General electrochemical concepts. Introduction to electrochemistry: thermodynamics, electrode potentials, galvanic and electrolytic cells, electrode kinetics, dynamic electrochemistry, mass transport by migration, diffusion and convection, diffusion layers. Conductivity. Liquid and solid electrolytes. Solid and liquid ionic conductors. The electrochemical double layer. Overpotentials. Electrochemical instrumentation and techniques. Potentiostatic and galvanostatic experiments. Cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, chronopotentiometry. Électrochemical syntheses of solid materials. Solid state electrochemistry. Intercalation processes. Corrosion. Types of corrosions and corrosion protection. Mixed potentials. Corrosion rates. Polarisation curves.

Experimental work illustrating selected parts of the theoretical content.

Communication training is an integral part of this course and the student is trained in finding and assessing information about technically important electrochemical processes and to present this information orally as well as in the form of a written report.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars, laboratory work.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course (4 credits). Passed laboratory course and literature project is required and are together assigned 1 credit.