Entry requirements

Inorganic Chemistry NV1, 10 credit points

Aims

After completing the course the student should be able to

- describe the difference between equilibrium properties and properties in the presence of an electric current in electrochemical systems

- describe empirical relations between conductivity, molar conductivity, ionic mobility and electrolyte concentration and be able to apply this to both strong and weak electrolytes

- explain the conductivity of dilute electrolytes using simple theoretical models

- explain the relations between electrode potentials, chemical potentials, electrochemical potentials, galvanic potentials and concentration, pressure and temperature

- apply the Nernst equation to electrochemical systems

- describe the function of the most common reference electrodes

- explain the origin of diffusion potentials, liquid-junction potentials and membrane potentials

- describe the properties of electrolytic double layers within the Helmholtz- and Goüy-Chapman- and Stern models

- describe qualitatively how the cell potential is affected by a flow of current through galvanic and electrolytic cells

- define the concept over potential and describe how the current over potential can be measured using a three-electrode arrangement

- explain the origin of electron-transfer over potential, concentration over potential,, diffusion over potential and reaction over potential

- describe different diffusion processes in solid materials and explain them using simple atomistic models involving defects and thermally activated atomic jumps and explain how these processes are connected to the ionic conductivity in such materials

Content

- describe the electrochemical measurement methods cyclic voltammetry and AC-methods and what kind of information can be extracted from these measurements

- give examples of typical solid electrolytes, both ceramic materials and solid polymer electrolytes, and explain how the ionic conduction occurs in these materials.

Furthermore, after completing the course the student should be able to

- explain the function of batteries and fuel cells

- explain how some industrial electrochemical processes work and electrochemical factors affect the outcome of such processes. Examples of processes are electro deposition, electrolytic materials synthesis, electrochemical extraction and purification of metals, water electrolysis and isotope separation

- describe the origin of corrosion and how it can be suppressed or prevented

- describe types of corrosion and the processes involved in corrosion

- explain under what circumstances passivation and corrosion can occur, starting from polarisation curves.

Communication training is an integral part of this course and in particular the student is trained in finding and putting together information about electrochemical processes and to present this information both in a written and an oral report.

General introduction to electrochemistry, thermodynamics, electrode kinetics, dynamic electrochemistry. Solid state electrochemistry, mass transfer by migration and diffusion. Solid and liquid ionic conductors. Conductivity. Electrochemical measurement techniques. Syntheses of solid materials by electrochemical methods. Corrosion processes, corrosion types, corrosion protection.

Laboratory work: Experiments to illustrate selected parts of the theoretical contents.

Literature project with oral and written report.

Instruction

Lectures, lessons, laboratory work.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course. Passed laboratory course and literature project is also required and is assigned 1 point (1.5 ECTS credits).