C9257 - ELECTROCHEMISTRY: FUNDAMENTALS AND APPLICATIONS

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has acquired the theoretical and experimental basis for the comprehension and investigation of the physical-chemical processes associated to the heterogeneous electron transfer processes and their application in materials science, analytical chemistry and energy storage/conversion

Course contents

Course contents
Lectures (module 1)
• Introduction to electrochemical systems. Charge transfer across interfaces. Electrical potentials, electrochemical potential and electrode potential. Measurability of potentials. The Nernst equation and electrochemical equilibrium.
• The electrified interphase. Structure of the electrode/electrolyte interface. Helmholtz, Gouy–Chapman and Stern models. Potential profiles, differential capacitance, adsorption phenomena and interfacial electric fields. The semiconductor/electrolyte interface and the space charge capacitance.
• Charge-transfer kinetics at interfaces. The Butler–Volmer equation. Exchange current, charge-transfer resistance and overpotential. Tafel analysis. Electrocatalytic processes. Hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution reactions. Volcano plots and the concept of potential-determining step.
• Mass transport in electrochemical systems. Diffusion, migration and convection. The Nernst–Planck equation. Supporting electrolyte and suppression of migration. Diffusion layers, limiting currents and concentration profiles. Fundamental analytical solutions of the diffusion equation.
• Electrochemical methods and interfacial characterization. Chronoamperometry, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Capacitive and faradaic processes. Equivalent circuits and physical interpretation of electrochemical responses.
• Electrochemical systems and applications. Galvanic cells, electrolysers, fuel cells and electrochemical sensors. Charge and ion transport in electrochemical devices.

Practical Lab and seminars (module 2)
Digital simulation of electrochemical systems and voltammetric experiments. Experimental investigation of electrochemical interfaces by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Demonstration experiments on electrocatalysis, electrochemical sensing and photoelectrochemical processes. Interpretation of experimental data through equivalent-circuit and transport models.

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture notes distributed by the teacher are available on Virtuale.

Allen J. Bard, Larry R. Faulkner, Henry S White Electrochemical Methods. Fundamentals and Applications, Wiley, New York, 2022 (third edition)

Teaching methods

Taught classes and seminars. Lab experiences.

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend Module 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] on Health and Safety, online.

Assessment methods

The evaluation is based on 2 alternative types of exam (at choice of the student):

1) a written exam in which the candidate prepares a written elaborate (1-2 pages) about one of the topics of the course (chosen out of a list of 4-5 topics) plus answers 5-6 questions to verify the general knowledge of the program

or

2) oral exam where the candidate presents (normally at the blackboard) a subject of his/her own choice which will then be briefly discussed with the examiners. Additional questions concerning other parts of the program will be asked

The final grade is the results of the evaluation of the overall performance of the candidate in either type of exam.

Regarding learning assessments, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Students with learning disabilities (LD) or temporary or permanent disabilities: please contact the relevant University Office ([https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it]) promptly. This office will advise the affected students of any accommodations. These accommodations must be approved by the instructor at least 15 days in advance, who will evaluate their suitability, also taking into account the course's learning objectives.

Teaching tools

Blackboard, Power Point slides, simple experiments in lab.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Paolucci