Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title ELECTROCHEMISTRY (C OPTION)
Code CHEM453
Coordinator Prof RJ Nichols
Chemistry
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2008-09 M Level First Semester 7.5

Aims

The aim of this module is to develop the students knowledge of interfacial electrochemistry. This includes both the understanding of fundamental aspects of electrochemistry, as well as techniques for characterising surfaces under electrochemical conditions. Applications of electrochemistry will also be discussed.


Learning Outcomes

The students be knowledgeable on what happens when an aqueous medium is in the vicinity of the surface and be able to describe the structure that occurs in an electrochemical cell. They should be able to describe how cyclic voltammetry and potential step methods can be used to analyse and understand electrochemical reactions. They should be able to perform an electrochemical kinetic analysis of simple and multistep reactions as a means of analysing the mechanism. They should be able to analyse and to answer questions on a number of electrochemical reactions such as metal deposition, electroorganic reactions and adsorption. They should be able to describe fuel cell reactions (hydrogen/air and methanol/air) and be able to analyse fuel cell polarisation curves. They should also be aware of modern spectroscopic methods employed for analysing the solid/liquid interface and be able to describe the level of detail which can be obtained through appropriate application of these technique s.


Syllabus
0  Liquid solid interfaces. The structure of the electrochemical interface is covered with an analysis of the models of the electrical double layer including a discussion of adsorption at electrode surfaces. Electrochemical kinetics are elaborated upon, including a discussion of the Butler Volmer equation and models for multi-step electro chemical reactions. Mass transport is also covered. Special emphasis is placed on describing electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry and potential step methods. It is shown how cyclic voltammetry can be used to analyse electrochemical reactions such as adsorption, metal deposition and electroorganic reactions. A number of electrochemical process are considered in detail, including metal deposition and adsorption process.Fuel cell electrocatalytic reactions are discussed in some detail and examples are shown of fuel cells including polymer electrolyte hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells. The role of fuels cells in the hydrogen economy and as a sustainable technology are discussed. Finally, in-situ techniques for studying electrochemical processes are described.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module consists of 16 50-minute lectures to be given in the first semester.   There will be 1 set of tutorial style questions that will be set during the Semester and assessed, to count 20% of the final mark. The students are expected to spend about 60 hours for private study for this course. The module is also backed-up by helpful handouts which are also mounted on VITAL.


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 16

   1

       17
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 58
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Written Examinations  2 hours  First Semester  80  August resit opportunity for PGT students only, where applicable. see notes    Year 3 (and Year 4) students resit at the next normal opportunity.  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Extended Problems  1 set  First Semester  20  According to University policy  Standard University Policy applies - see Department/School handbook for details.  This work is not marked anonymously.  

Recommended Texts

Instrumental Methods in Electrochemistry, Southampton Electrochemistry Group, Horwood Publishing, ISBN 1-898563-80-2.

Oxford Chemistry Primer: Electrode Dynamics (Andrew Fisher)

Atkins Physical Chemistry for electrochemistry and electrode dynamics.