Entry requirements

120 credits including 90 credits Chemistry. The course Electrochemistry, 5 credits, or equivalent.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student should be able to:

• apply Nernst equation to electrochemical systems and describe the difference between equilibrium properties and properties of electrochemical systems in which currents are present.
• describe the electrochemical double layer based on common models
• define the overpotential concept, explain its origin and describe how the relationship between current and potential can be studied in the absence and presence of controlled convection
• describe the difference between kinetically and mass transport controlled electrochemical processes
• describe and apply electrochemical methods such as: chronoamperometry, cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, coulometry, ac impedance and spectroelectrochemistry as well as the type of information that can be obtained with these techniques
• explain common techniques for the study of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytical processes
• explain how micro and nano structured materials and surface modified electrodes can be used in electrochemical investigations
• explain the function of batteries and fuel cells as well as the commonly employed underlying electrochemical reactions

Content

Introduction to electrochemistry: Nernst equation, electrode kinetics, dynamic electrochemistry, the Butler-Volmer and Tafel equations. Overpotentials. Kinetically and mass transport controlled electrochemical processes. Mass transport by migration, convection and diffusion. Conductivity. Solid state electrochemistry. Ion conducting and electronically conducting polymers. The electrochemical double layer. Potentiostatic and galvanostatic electrochemical methods including chronoamperometry, coulometry, cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, ac impedance spectroscopy, spectroelectrochemistry and hydrodynamic methods. Surface confined electrochemical processes. The fundamentals of corrosion. Homogeneous and heterogeneous electrocatalysis. Electrochemical processes coupled to chemical steps. Nanostructured and surface modified electrodes. Introduction to batteries, fuel cells and electrochemical solar cells. Electrochemical processes of particular relevance to energy conversion.

Laboratory work covering topics discussed during the lectures.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars, laboratory work.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course (4 credits). Passed laboratory course is also required and is assigned 1 point.