Ateneo - UPO

The main theoretical and applied aspects of modern electrochemistry will be illustrated (particularly those focusing on inorganic, industrial, environmental, and biological applications) and exploit the connections suggested by the interdisciplinary nature of the subject.

The slides shown during the course will be available on DIR. For further study, the following text is recommended:Allen J. Bard, Larry R. Faulkner, “Electrochemical Methods: Fundamentals and Applications”, Wiley, 2000.

1) To provide students with knowledge of the theoretical principles of modern electrochemistry. 2) Provide scientific terminology appropriate to the course topics. 2) Develop the ability to apply theoretical principles to real-world cases (both simple and advanced) or to understand the theoretical principles underlying established techniques and processes. 3) Develop the capacity for independent learning and improve critical thinking skills that enable students to draw conclusions regarding issues related to the topics covered in the course.

General and inorganic chemistry, Maths I & II, Physical Chemistry I & II

Theoretical lessons in the classroom with a discussion of examples. Throughout the course, various videos will be shown to provide a more in-depth understanding of the techniques and processes explained. A field trip is planned to visit a company that employs some of the processes studied during the course (to be arranged).

The in itinere learning control is based on collective discussions and little questions during the lesson. Students with physical disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities. Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Oral examination. Students must present a topic of their choice from the applied section having studied it in depth independently. On the basis of this presentation, the instructor will ask specific questions to assess the student's knowledge of the chosen topic. Subsequently, students will be asked one or two questions regarding the theoretical section (electrochemical techniques). This type of exam allows one to assess theoretical knowledge and the ability to apply it to simple problems. It also evaluates knowledge, communication skills, critical thinking, and the ability to learn independently. Students who demonstrate all the skills and capabilities will achieve the maximum score. To pass the exam, students must at least demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic concepts.

The purpose of the course is to illustrate the key theoretical and practical aspects of modern electrochemistry, leveraging the connections arising from the subject's interdisciplinary nature. Specifically, it aims to: (a) examine the properties of electrolyte solutions and the electrode interface under both equilibrium conditions (interface behavior and structure; electrochemical equilibria) and non-equilibrium conditions (polarization phenomena and overpotentials related to mass transport, charge transfer, and chemical reactions); and (b) outline the most important electrochemical techniques for studying electrode processes and their application to issues of inorganic, industrial, environmental, and biological interest.Theoretical part: this section covers the theoretical aspects of electrochemical techniques (approximately 12 hours).The electrochemical experiment. Electrolytic and galvanic cells. Electrode processes, electron transfer at the electrode-solution interface, and its kinetics. Physical quantities (potential, current, resistance). Redox processes, potential-current relationship, and the Butler-Volmer equation. Mass transport in solution (convection, migration, and diffusion), Nernst diffusion layer. Combination of electron transfer and mass transport and the shape of "electrochemical spectra." The electrode-electrolyte interface (electrical double layer and capacitive current). Definition of controlled potential electrochemical techniques.Techniques involving diffusion layer renewal (polarographic techniques): equations, information derived from polarograms, issues, applications, brief history of polarography.Pulsed polarographic techniques: DC polarography, sampled DC polarography, normal pulse polarography, differential pulse polarography, present and future of polarography.Techniques without diffusion layer renewal (voltammetric techniques): linear sweep voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, equations, information derived from voltammograms, issues, applications, and brief history of polarography.Theory of electrochemical processes: E and EC mechanisms, equations, shape of voltammograms, influence of experimental variables on voltammogram shape, diagnostic tests, low-temperature measurements.Adsorption: theory and equations, shape of voltammograms in the presence of adsorption, diagnostic tests.Pulsed voltammetric techniques: normal pulse voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, equations, shape of voltammograms, information derived from voltammograms, diagnostic tests.Electrochemical instrumentation: the potentiostat, the electrochemical cell, reference electrodes, working electrodes, auxiliary electrodes, and the solvent-supporting electrolyte combination. Examples of applications of the techniques studied: how to perform an electrochemical experiment; analysis of five case studies.Hydrodynamic techniques: rotating disc electrode (RDE), equations, shape of RDE voltammograms, information derived from RDE voltammograms, diagnostic tests.Stripping analysis: definitions; anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV: equations, procedure, information derived, advantages and disadvantages); adsorptive stripping voltammetry (theory and applications); cathodic stripping voltammetry (theory and applications).Electrolytic techniques: definitions; procedure and information derived from controlled-potential electrolysis. Applied section: this seminar-based section covers the study of electrochemical applications in inorganic, industrial, environmental, and biological fields (approximately 36 hours in total).Corrosion: corrosion cells and descriptions of various types of corrosion, thermodynamics and corrosion, corrosion measurement techniques, passivation, corrosion protection methods (approximately 9 hours).Industrial electrochemistry: electrolytic cells, factors influencing electrochemical processes. Inorganic electrochemical processes: electrorefining and electrowinning (copper industry), aluminum industry (Hall-Héroult process, primary and secondary aluminum), electroplating, anodization, chlor-alkali production, alternative processes for the electrochemical production of caustic soda and oxidants (hypochlorite, chlorates, H2O2, O3, etc.), hydrogen and fuel cells. Organic electrochemical processes: EHD-Monsanto process (approximately 9 hours).Electroremediation: principles and cell setups, metal electroremediation (electrodialysis and electrowinning), desalination, metal recovery. Electroremediation of organic substances (advanced oxidation processes, direct electrochemical oxidation, mediated electrochemical oxidation, electrochemical generation of oxidants). Soil electroremediation (approximately9 hours).Bio/medical applications of electrochemical techniques: electrochemical detectors in chromatography, ion-selective electrodes (ISE), solid- and liquid-membrane electrodes, gas-sensing electrodes, lambda probes, gastroesophageal pH measurement, determination of dissolved gases and electrolytes (dialysis), biosensors, blood glucose determination (approximately 9 hours).

Knowledge and understanding: knowledge of the theory and the main techniques used in electrochemistry; knowledge of the main applications of electrochemistry in inorganic, industrial, and environmental chemistry, and in biology.

Applying knowledge and understanding: ability to apply the theory in the solution of electrochemical exercises and to the interpretation of experimental data.

Making judgements: the ability to critically evaluate the concepts learned.

Communication skills: Ability to clearly describe a subject autonomously in-depth studied with suitable language; achievement of a suitable scientific language to speak in a precise, concise, and clear manner.

Learning skills: the ability to use the teaching material for a critical and the reasoned study and ability to in-depth study an electrochemical application autonomously.