78411 - Electrochemical Sensors and Fundamentals of Electroanalytical Chemistry

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student should acquire a knowledge of the theoretical grounding of the modern electroanalytical techniques and the ability of evaluating the most suitable one for the solution of a problem in different industrial fields such as: food, medicine, materials and environment.

Course contents

Topics covered in the course include:

- Electron transfer

- Mass transport (diffusion, convection, migration)

- Controlled potential techniques (cronoamperometry, cronocolumbometry, polarography, cyclic voltammetry)

- Rotating disc electrode

- Techniques in static or hydrodynamic conditions

- Techniques for the trace and ultratrace analysis (anodic, cathodic and potentiometric stripping)

- Solid electrodes. Microelectrodes and ultramicroelectrodes.

- Modified electrodes for sensors applications.

Amperometric sensors and biosensors

- Alternating current techniques. AC impedance spectroscopy

- Electrochemical quartz microbalance

-Electrochemistry in industry

- Spectroelectrochemistry

Readings/Bibliography

P.M.S. Monk "Fundamentals of Electroanalytical Chemistry" J. Wiley & Sons, New York, 2002.

A.J. Bard e L.R. Faulkner " Electrochemical methods. Fundamentals and Applications " J. Wiley & Sons, New York, 2001

Papers from the scientific literature

Teaching methods

Lectures. It is encouraged individual study on text books and team-discussion on the arguments under study.

Assessment methods

Assessment of the course will be via a final oral exam on the syllabus. The oral examination aims to verify the acquisition of the learning outcomes expected from the knowledge of the topics which constitute  the program of the Course. The ability of the student to critically and methodologically face the solution of a problem, from an electroanalytical point of view, will be privileged. It will be particularly appreciated the achievement of an organic view of the learned topics together with their critical application to real problems and the command of the specific language to electroanalytical chemistry. On the contrary, the mnemonic knowledge of the topics of the Course will be negatively evaluated.

Teaching tools

Lectures and class-room activities are carried out with the help of transparencies and video-projection. The teaching material is available to the students.

Office hours

See the website of Domenica Tonelli