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 Professor RJ Nichols
Chemistry
R.J.Nichols@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 7.5

Pre-requisites before taking this module (or general academic requirements):

 

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

(LO1) 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 techniq ues.

(S1) Students will develop their chemistry-related cognitive abilities and skills, ie abilities and skills relating to intellectual tasks, including problem-solving as required by the Chemistry subject benchmark statement. In particular, at master's level, they will gain the ability to adapt and apply methodology to the solution of unfamiliar problems.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module consists of 17 lectures.
There will be 1 set of extended problem questions that will be set during the Semester and assessed, to count 19 % of the final mark. The module is also backed-up by helpful handouts which are also mounted on Canvas.

*Lectures: 17 hours


Syllabus

 

Liquid solid interfaces:
The structure of the electrochemical interface is covered, incl. an analysis of the models of the electrical double layer and 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 electrochemical 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 sus tainable technology are discussed. Finally, in-situ techniques for studying electrochemical processes are described.


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 17

          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
No assessment details provided  120    81       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
1 set of tutorial style questions that will be set during the Semester and assessed Extended problem set    19