Applied Electrochemistry

The module provides the electrochemical fundamentals of various energy conversion and storage devices, as well as potential fields of application, including the scientific and engineering challenges for future applications. Amongst others, the module consists of the following fields of electrochemistry: fuel cells (thermodynamics, fueling options, types of fuel cells), electrolysis (water, chlor-alkaline), batteries (conventional batteries, materials for Li-ion and “post”-Li-ion batteries), electrochemical capacitors, and redox-flow batteries. The focus of the lecture in all discussed topics is a detailed understanding of the basic electrochemical concepts related to the specific application.

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to identify the relevant literature and to critically review publications in the field of electrical energy storage and conversion. The students will be able to make suggestions and develop experiments to address specific questions in related areas of research, e.g., on proton-exchange membrane fuel-cells (PEM-FC). The module provides them with a comprehensive overview of the most relevant electrical energy storage technologies (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, and super-capacitors) and energy conversion technologies (e.g., fuel-cells and electrolyzers). In addition, it provides a detailed explanation of the working principles as well as the underlying electrochemical and thermodynamic processes (e.g., the electrochemical potential and the energy efficiency). Finally, students will be able to evaluate the perspectives of different energy storage and conversion technologies, including their potential fields of application.

Basic knowledge in physical chemistry (especially in thermodynamics and kinetics) is recommended; a prior participation in the module "Fundamental Electrochemistry" (CH3065) is recommended, but is not obligatory.

The module consists of a series of lectures with accompanying exercises. The lectures cover most of the course content. White-board discussions are used to explain derivations and illustrate selected examples. The exercises are designed to actively involve students by repeating and deepening selected topics from the lectures. Weekly exercise sheets facilitate the discussions and enable students to independently solve small problem sets related to the lecture materials by means of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Often, these sheets are based on the current questions in the literature or even on the research of the tutors (e.g., related to batteries or fuel cells). Students are encouraged to share their questions with tutors and discuss them in class. At the end of the semester, a Q&A session is offered to the students to resolve any remaining questions prior to the exam.

Powerpoint presentations, whiteboard discussions, lecture slides as hand-out, journal articles

Bard, A.J. and Faulkner, L.R. (2001) Electrochemical Methods: Fundamentals and Applications, 2nd edition, Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons
Hamann, C.H.; Hamnett, A. and Vielstich, W. (2007) Electrochemistry, 2nd edition, Weinheim: Wiley-VCH
Vielstich, W.; Lamm, A. and Gasteiger, H.A. (2009) Handbook of Fuel Cells, 1st edition, Weinheim: Wiley-VCH
Larminie, J. and Dicks, A.L. (2003) Fuel Cell Systems Explained, 2nd edition, Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons

The examination for this module is conducted in the form of a 90-minute written exam. The only aids allowed during the exam are a pen, a ruler, and a non-programmable calculator. The exam is designed to provide evidence that the students can independently solve typical electrochemical problems in a limited time span without further assistance. The content covered by the exam spans over the entire lecture material. The chosen form ensures that the students not only repeat their newly acquired knowledge but also demonstrate their ability to apply this knowledge to related research questions. In doing so, it is determined to what extent the students have competencies in the evaluation of electrochemical energy storage/conversion technologies and in the assessment of the long-term perspectives of different electromobility concepts, based on understanding their basic electrochemical processes and concepts. The exam will be used to assess the students' understanding and their ability to analyze electrochemical energy conversion/storage technologies.