This course covers the basic theory and application of electrochemical science. It is targeted to people with a physical sciences or engineering background who are not trained as electrochemists, but want to add electrochemical methods to their repertoire of research approaches. Many researchers originally approach their work from another discipline but then discover that it's advantageous to understand and use some electrochemical methods to complement their work in many fields.

The course begins with a general, basic foundation of electrochemistry and uses it to develop the theory and experimental approaches to electrochemical problems that depend on kinetic parameters. It complements a revised sister course, Fundamentals of Electrochemistry: Basic Theory and Thermodynamic Methods, offered alternately by the same instructor. The two courses have different emphases. Each is designed as a stand-alone introduction to electrochemical fundamentals. One course is not a prerequisite for the other.

Course Outline

• Introduction and overview of electrode processes
• Potential: its significance and proper measurement
• Cell potentials and EMF, half-reactions, cell notation, reference electrodes, standard potentials, and Nernst equation vs. open circuit potential
• Electrode-solution interface and double-layer structure
• Chemical stoichiometry (Faraday's Law)
• Coulometry, bulk electrolysis
• Theoretical basis for methods
• Chemical/electrochemical kinetics, current-potential relationship, exchange current, Butler-Volmer equation, Tafel equation and Tafel plots, reaction mechanisms
• Mass-transfer effects, Nernst approximation
• Coupled reactions and corrosion
• Methodology
• Potential measurements, cyclic voltammetry, Tafel analysis, linear polarization technique, chronoamperometry, chronocoulometry, rotating disk and rotating ring disc electrodes, ultra microelectrodes, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
• Electrochemical instrumentation
• Voltmeters, ammeters, potentiostats, galvanostats, IR compensation, design of electrochemical cells

Instructor: James Noel

0800-1630h

0800-0900h - Breakfast*

0900-1200h - Instruction

1200-1330 - Lunch*

1330-1630h - Instruction

*Registration for this In-person short course includes Breakfast and Lunch.