To familarise the student with the concepts of electrochemical systems under current flow situations. To familiarise the student with electrochemical methods of chemical analysis. To introduce applications of electrochemical methods in energy conversion and storage, sensors and production of chemicals

Mass Transport in Solution. Ficks Laws of Diffusion. Electron transfer reactions.Overpotential/Polarization Effects. Electrode reactions, oxidation/reduction. Electrode kinetics, Butler-Volmer equation, limiting forms. I/E curves, interplay of mass transport and electron transport. Electrical double layer. Ideally polarizable electrode, capacitance, interfacial effects, models of the double layer. Theoretical basis of electron transfer. Polarography, steady-state, sweep, convective/diffusion techniques. Electroanalytical techniques, cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, chronocoulometry, potentiometric stripping analysis, differential pulse techniques. Ion selective electrodes. Biosensors. Electrodeposition: Electrocrystallisation, bath design, additives (brighteners, throwing and levelling power). Surface Treatment: Anodizing, electroforming, electrochemical (E.C.) machining, E.C. etching, electropolishing. Electrocatalysis, electrosynthesis. Fuel cells, solar cells. Surface analysis techniques, atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, scanning electrochemical microscopy.

Describe the basic principles of electrochemistry. Assess and use basic electroanalytical methods including potentiometry, conductometry, voltammetry in chemical analysis. Use mathematical equations to manipulate data to calculate unknowns and to plot data for visual representation and verification. Select suitable conditions for potentiostatic and potentodynamic experiments. Appreciate electrochemical kinetics and of the factors influencing the kinetics of reaction at an electrode. Demonstrate a knowledge of techniques used to elucidate reaction mechanisms at electrodes. Demonstrate knowledge of the chemical and electrochemical technology involved in industrial eletrosysthisis of organic and inorganic chemicals. Assess critically various electrochemical surface treatment techniques. Assess surface analytical techniques for the study of electrode surfaces. Demonstrate knowledge of the electrochemical reactions occuring in sensors, solar cells and fuel cells.

N/A

Demonstrate competent laboratory skills in experimental physical chemistry.

Module is taught by delivery of lectures and tutorials; the module will enable students to attain a high level of competence in electrochemistry with a focus on real world applications of the subject.