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Applied Electrochemistry

Module CH3063

This Module is offered by TUM Department of Chemistry.

This module handbook serves to describe contents, learning outcome, methods and examination type as well as linking to current dates for courses and module examination in the respective sections.

Module version of WS 2020/1 (current)

There are historic module descriptions of this module. A module description is valid until replaced by a newer one.

Whether the module’s courses are offered during a specific semester is listed in the section Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature below.

available module versions
WS 2020/1SS 2018

Basic Information

CH3063 is a semester module in English language at Master’s level which is offered in summer semester.

This Module is included in the following catalogues within the study programs in physics.

  • Catalogue of non-physics elective courses
Total workloadContact hoursCredits (ECTS)
150 h 60 h 5 CP

Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions

Content

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.

Learning Outcome

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.

Preconditions

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.

Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature

Courses and Schedule

TypeSWSTitleLecturer(s)DatesLinks
VI 4 Applied Electrochemistry (CH3063) Gasteiger, H.
Assistants: Berger, A.Della Bella, R.Dickmanns, J.Wilhelm, R.
Mon, 13:00–15:00, CH 53301
Tue, 08:00–09:00, CH 53301
and singular or moved dates
eLearning

Learning and Teaching Methods

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.

Media

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

Literature

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

Module Exam

Description of exams and course work

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.

Exam Repetition

There is a possibility to take the exam in the following semester.

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