Interfacial Electrochemical Processes

Catalog description

Electrochemical processes play a pivotal role in the development of new energy storage devices, energy-efficient material separation processes, and corrosion-resistant materials. This course covers the thermodynamic and transport properties of electrochemical systems, electrochemical characterization techniques, and their application in materials research. The course gives students an overview of the fundamental principles of electrochemical cells and electrode reactions based on the thermodynamic and transport properties at the electrode-electrolyte interface. The course will begin with thermodynamics of electrode reactions both in aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes (e.g., molten salts), including the measurement techniques and Pourbaix diagrams. Then, the course will progress to kinetic aspects of electrode reactions, followed by the electrochemical characterization methods to determine critical kinetic parameters (e.g., exchange current density, diffusivity, and Tafel constants) based on dc (e.g., controlled potential, controlled current, and cyclic voltammetry) and ac techniques (e.g., a.c. voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy). Throughout the course, the application of electrochemical principles in modern materials research and processes will be covered, including electrochemical separation processes (e.g., electroplating, electrorefining, and electrowinning cells) of energy materials, evaluation of corrosion-resistant alloys, and electrochemical power sources (e.g., batteries and fuel cells).