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529-0659-00L 6 Credits BSC , MSC D-CHAB , D-MATL
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Electrochemistry: Fundamentals, Cells & Applications

Lecturers & Examiners: PD Dr. Lorenz Gubler
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:49

Abstract

Introduction to electrochemistry from a physical chemistry point of view, focusing on thermodynamics & kinetics of electrochemical reactions, and engineering aspects of electrochemical cells. The topics are of generic nature yet also discussed in the context of specific applications in industrial electrochemistry, energy storage and conversion, electroanalytical techniques, sensors and corrosion.

Objective

The course establishes the fundamentals to understand and describe electrochemical reactions and phenomena related to these. The students are familiarized with key concepts and approaches in electrochemistry and selected aspects of materials science and engineering and how they are put to use in selected applications.

Content

- Introduction: important quantities & units, terminology; - Chapter I - Redox reactions, Faraday’s laws; - Chapter II - Equilibrium electrochemistry: cells, galvanic and electrolytic cells, thermodynamic state functions, theoretical cell voltage, half-cell / electrode potential, hydrogen electrode, the electrochemical series, Nernst equation; - Chapter III - Electrodes & interfaces: electrochemical potential, phase potentials, work function, Fermi level, the electrified interface, the electrochemical double layer, reference electrodes and laboratory cells; - Chapter IV - Electrolytes: conductivity, aqueous electrolytes, transference effects, liquid junctions, polymer electrolytes, ion-exchange membranes, Donnan exclusion, solid state ion conductors; - Chapter V - Dynamic electrochemistry: overpotentials, description of charge-transfer reaction, Butler-Volmer and Tafel equation, exchange current density, mass transport limitations; - Chapter VI - Industrial electrochemistry: electrochemical engineering, process and reactor types, current density distribution, porous electrodes, chlor-alkali and HCl electrolysis, oxygen depolarized cathode; - Chapter VII - Energy storage & conversion: important primary and secondary battery chemistries, fuel cells, polymer electrolyte fuel cells, low temperature H2 and O2 electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, triple-phase boundary, solid oxide fuel cell, conversion efficiency; - Chapter VIII - Electroanalytical methods & sensors: potentiometry, amperometry, cyclic and stripping voltammetry, rotating disc electrode studies, electrochemical sensors; - Chapter IX - Corrosion: corrosion reactions, Pourbaix diagram, corrosion potential, passivation, corrosion protection

Resources

Lecture Notes

lecture notes, lecture slides, exercise & solutions (PDF files)

Literature

- C.H. Hamann, A. Hamnett, W. Vielstich, Electrochemistry, Wiley-VCH 2007 (2nd Edition), ISBN: 978-3-527-31069-2 [German version available as well] - T.F. Fuller, J.N. Harb, Electrochemical Engineering, Wiley 2018, ISBN: 978-1-119-00425-7

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 20 minutes
Exam language is English.provided (PDF for download) in the lecture:– Periodic table of elements– Electrochemical series– Electrochemical terminology English - German- Students can submit 13 exercises, which will be corrected and assessed (0-2 points).- Students can also present solutions on the blackboard (2 points).- If a score of >=19.5 P is achieved, the student receives a bonus of 0.25 grade points.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Electrochemistry: Fundamentals, Cells & Applications
  • Mon 08:45-11:30 (HPT C 103)
3 h weekly

Offered In