Fundamental Electrochemistry

The lectures and the accompanying exercises of this module consist of two parts. In the first part, Prof. Hubert Gasteiger provides a comprehensive overview on the most commonly used electroanalytical methods and the underlying phenomena that govern the corresponding electrochemical reactions: Beginning with the thermodynamics, Prof. Gasteiger first introduces electrochemical cells, the electrochemical potential, and the concept of reference electrodes. This is followed by a detailed explanation of the ionic conduction in electrolytes, electrochemical kinetics, as well as mass transport and diffusion effects. Finally, Prof. Gasteiger applies this knowledge to electroanalytical methods, including cyclic voltammetry, rotating disk electrode experiments, micro-electrodes, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In the second part, Prof. Tom Nilges introduces thermoelectric materials and discusses the transport phenomena in solid electrolytes. He complements the analytical toolkit by further spectroscopic methods.

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to identify relevant research literature and critically review publications in the field of electrochemistry. The students will be able to make suggestions and develop experiments to address specific questions in related areas of research, e.g., electrical energy storage and energy conversion. The module provides them with a comprehensive overview of the most commonly used electroanalytical techniques (e.g., cyclic voltammetry, rotating disk electrode experiments) and describes the underlying phenomena that govern the corresponding electrochemical reactions (e.g., ionic transport, electrode kinetics, electrochemical potential).

Basic knowledge in physical chemistry (especially in thermodynamics and kinetics) is recommended.

The module consists of a series of lectures with accompanying exercises. The lectures cover most of the content. White-board discussions are used to explain derivations and illustrate selected examples. The exercise is designed to actively involve students by repeating and deepening selected content from the lecture. 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
Newman, J. and Thomas-Alyea (2004) Electrochemical Systems, 3rd edition, Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons
Hamann, C.H.; Hamnett, A. and Vielstich, W. (2007) Electrochemistry, 2nd edition, Weinheim: Wiley-VCH

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 evaluated to what extent the students developed competencies in fundamental electrochemical processes and relevant electroanalytical methods. Further, it will be used to assess the students' understanding and their ability to analyze the underlying electrochemical phenomena and evaluate their influence on practical applications, e.g., in (solid-state) batteries and fuel cells.