Entry requirements

120 credits with 90 credits in chemistry and physics, including at least 60 credits in chemistry. Electrochemistry, 5 credits, or equivalent.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student should be able to:

• apply the Nernst, Butler-Volmer and Tafel equations to electrochemical systems and describe the difference between equilibrium properties and properties of electrochemical systems in which currents are present
• describe and apply electrochemical methods such as: chronoamperometry, cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and coulometry, as well as the type of information that can be obtained with these techniques
• describe how ac impedance, spectroelectrochemistry and the use of coupled techniques to electrochemistry can be used to obtain information about electrochemical systems and the structure of energy relevant materials
• explain the concepts of and common techniques for the study of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic processes
• explain the advantages and disadvantages of using micro- and nanostructured materials and surface-modified electrodes in electrochemical investigations
• explain the function of batteries and fuel cells as well as the commonly involved underlying electrochemical reactions
• use simulation methods to study electrochemical systems

Content

Introduction to electrochemistry: 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. Solid state electrochemistry. Ion conducting polymers, electronically conducting polymers and redox polymers. The electrochemical double layer. Potentiostatic and galvanostatic methods including chronoamperometry, coulometry, cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, ac impedance spectroscopy, spectroelectrochemistry and hydrodynamic methods. Electrochemical techniques coupled to in situ techniques providing structural information. Surface confined electrochemical processes. Electropolymerisation. Homogeneous and heterogeneous electrocatalysis. Electrochemical processes coupled to chemical steps. Nanostructured and surface modified electrodes. Comparisons of batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors. Electrochemical processes of particular relevance to energy conversion. Energy and power densities. Simulations of electrochemical systems.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars, laboratory work.

Assessment

Written examination (8 credits) at the end of the course. A pass in the laboratory course is also required and is assigned 2 credits.