Environmental Electrochemistry

Catalog description

This goal of this course is to prepare students to perform and interpret research in the field of environmental electrochemistry. Students will learn the fundamental mechanisms of electrochemistry and will apply this knowledge to (1) design theoretical experiments to address research questions relevant to environmental engineering and science and (2) analyze and re-interpret results from recently published peer-reviewed studies in this field. Within the field of environmental engineering and science, electrochemical techniques are commonly used to characterize the reactivities and thermodynamic properties of environmental samples, such as soils, minerals, and natural waters. Electrochemical techniques are also frequently used to solve environmental problems, with applications including the treatment and remediation of polluted water and the generation of renewable electricity from waste sources. This course is designed to enable students to critically read environmental electrochemical literature and to design and develop their own electrochemical experimental systems. To achieve this goal, the course consists of five sections that are roughly equal in length. Section 1 covers the underlying chemistry and thermodynamics relevant to electrode potentials and redox chemistry. Section 2 covers galvanic and electrolytic reactions by covering examples of batteries and fuel cells relevant to environmental engineers. Section 3 addresses the role that kinetics and transport play in electrochemical systems and the mathematical expressions used to cover them. Section 4 covers electrochemical techniques used to study environmental systems and solve environmental engineering problems, such as pollution remediation and renewable energy production. Section 5 covers electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, a complex electrochemical technique used to determine how an electrochemical system can be best approximated as a circuit. As a whole, these sections develop students with the educational foundation necessary to further study specific topics relevant to their research or interests.