99911 - DISPOSITIVI ELETTROCHIMICI PER L’ENERGIA E L’AMBIENTE

Learning outcomes

The students will know the operating principles of energy storage and conversion systems, such as lithium batteries, supercapacitors and inorganic and microbial fuel cells. The student will also learn what specific characteristics the materials used in these devices must possess to optimize their operation. Will be able to classify different technologies based on energy performance and applications.

Course contents

The course is divided into two modules held by two different teachers:

Prof. Luca Evangelisti, Introduction to electrochemical principles and techniques, 3CFU

Prof. Francesca Soavi, Electrochemistry of energy storage conversion systems, 3 CFU

The teachers will cover the program shown below comprehensively and without discontinuity, in a compact way for clarity.

The student will know the principles and applications of electrochemical techniques for applications of interest to the environment

- Introduction to electrochemistry

- Electrochemical techniques

- Electrochemical devices for environmental monitoring

- Electrochemical devices for water treatment

- Electrochemical devices for the production of chemicals (electrolysis)

- Electrochemical devices for energy: conversion (H2-fuel cells), batteries

Readings/Bibliography

F. Fuller, J. N. Harb, Electrochemical Engineering, Wiley

In class, indications will be given on the reference texts, all available in libraries. Supporting articles and reviews will also be provided.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons in which some basic aspects of electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems will be addressed, the state of the technology of some devices and some aspects of materials research and development.

Practical laboratory exercises are provided for the electrochemical characterization of materials and devices and data analysis.

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend the  Modules 1, 2 [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/online-course-on-health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-areas] online, while Module 3 on health and safety is to be attended in class. Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the website of your degree programme

Assessment methods

The final exam is oral and aims to verify, on the basis of a topic chosen by the student, explored through literature also suggested by the teachers, and discussed through a power point presentation and two or more questions on the main topics covered, both the acquisition of the knowledge required by the course program and the student's ability to move within the topics covered, also using the bibliographical material provided by the teachers. The student may also decide not to bring a topic of choice but to take the exam through questions freely posed by the teachers on the various topics of the course.


Elements of judgment used for the attribution of the grade: the ability to discuss and critically analyze the topic chosen by the student will be evaluated. In the case of questions, particular attention will be given to the expository order and the formal correctness of the presentation. Synthesis, clarity and coherence are further elements taken into consideration for the evaluation of the oral exam.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

The final exam is oral and aims to verify, on the basis of a topic chosen by the student and two or more questions on the main topics covered, both the acquisition of the knowledge required by the course program and the student's ability to know how to move around. '' of the topics covered, also using the bibliographic material provided by the teacher.

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Soavi