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 Prof RJ Nichols
Chemistry
R.J.Nichols@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 7.5

Pre-requisites before taking this module (or general academic requirements):
Either completion of year 3 of an MChem programme or BSc (Hons) in Chemistry  

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

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 appro priate application of these techniques.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture -

Tutorial -


Syllabus
1  Liquid solid interfaces. The structure of the electrochemical interface is covered with an analysis of the models of the electrical double layer including 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 electro chemical 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 c ells in the hydrogen economy and as a sustainable 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.
Explanation of Reading List:

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 16

   1

       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
Unseen Written Exam  2 hours  First Semester  80  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 Notes (applying to all assessments) Coursework involves extended problems. This work is not marked anonymously. Problem sets can only be resat if Module retaken at the next normal opportunity. August resit for PGT students if applicable. Y4 Integrated Master's students resit at the next normal opportunity.  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  8 hours  First Semester  20  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 There is no reassessment opportunity,