OVERVIEW

Electrochemistry is a branch of science characterized by a strong interdisciplinarity. It has intensely contributed to our scientific and technological development, recently has gained even more relevance due its role in the energy and environmental transition.

The course of “Electrochemical materials and technologies” is articulated in frontal and laboratory lessons useful to introduce the student to the fundamental aspects of electrochemical processes and materials. The course dealt also with electrochemical: i) production of chemicals, ii) energy conversion, iii) materials, iv) corrosion and protection technologies, v) environmental protection, giving a wide view of electrochemical technologies and tools

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course supply fundaments of electrochemical processes necessary to understand the behavior of materials in: i) different environmental conditions, ii) electrochemical systems, as well as iii) electrochemical devices in the field of energy conversion. The course foreseen practical laboratory activities useful to apply the acquired skills in real electrochemical systems

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance and active participation in the proposed training activities (lectures and practical laboratory experiences) and individual study will allow the student to:

- acquire a culture on basic and / or applied electrochemistry,

- analyze the kinetics and thermodynamics of an electrochemical reaction,

- choose and optimize the materials that take part in the electrode process,

- carry out a general sizing of an electrochemical reactor operating in a galvanostatic or potentiostatic regime,

- Solving numerical exercises regarding the performance of electrochemical reactors and evaluating energy consumption,

- provide examples of industrial applications of industrial electrochemical processes,

- Understand and discuss critically and with the appropriate lexicon, the data obtained during the laboratory experiences.

PREREQUISITES

For a successful learning, basic knowledge of mathematics, chemistry and physics is required, but no formal prerequisites are required.

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes classroom lectures (40 hours) and laboratory experiences (10 hours). Lectures include the presentation of theoretical content and numerical exercises aimed at facilitating the learning and discussion of specific examples of electrochemical processes applications

The transversal competences in terms of autonomy of judgment will be acquired through the execution of practical laboratory experiences to be carried out in a group and with the drafting of a laboratory report to be presented and discussed during the examination.

As part of the innovation learning project adopted by the Bachelor Degree Course in Chemical and Process Engineering, novel tools will be used for the active learning of students. 
The goal is to increase students' skills via interactive, experience-based, learning methodologies (e-learning, teamwork, etc.) for enhanced student participation, using an advanced level of communication that makes the student more aware and autonomous.

Students with certification of learning disability or with special needs, including working students, are encouraged to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course in order to arrange didactic activities and examination isuitable to take into account specific issues and suggest tools useful to reach the learning outcomes.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

- Chemical-physical and engineering fundamentals of electrochemistry (double electric layer, distribution of potentials to the electrode / electrolyte interphase, ionic and electronic conduction, electrochemical cell configuration)

- Electrochemical reactions (homogeneous, heterogeneous, typical examples of anodic and cathodic reactions, influence of adsorption, volcano diagrams, complexing agents and influence of pH)

- Components of electrochemical cells:

i) anodic-cathode materials (metallic, ceramic, cermet, composites, DSA),

ii) electrolytes (ceramic and polymeric solids, liquids),

iii) separators and membranes,

iv) interconnectors and interconnections (monopolar and bipolar).

- Thermodynamics, kinetics and electrocatalysis of electrochemical processes (first principle, overvoltages, Butler-Volmer's law, exchange currents, electrical analogs),

- Electrochemical reactions in kinetic, mixed and transport control (first and second Fick law, nenst diffusion layer, Cottrel law)

- Fundamentals of electrolysis (Faraday's law, cell voltage and energy consumption, current yield)

- Transport phenomena (dimensional numbers and their correlations, Mass transport coefficient measurement)

- Electrochemical reactors and their performances (batch reactor, CSTR single pass reactor, single pass PFR reactor, recycled CSTR reactor, recycled PFR reactor)

- Drawing of electrochemical reactors (Electrode Materials, Cell Cost, Types of Reactors)

- Applications of electrochemical technologies (sodium chloride industry, electrometallurgy, metal electrolytic refining)

- Laboratory experiences: cyclic voltammetry, fuel cell, electrochemical oxidation of organic compounds

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The teaching material used during the lessons will be available in the classroom of the course, as well as the examples of final tests proposed in previous years with the related solutions. The notes taken during the lessons and the material in the aulaweb are sufficient for the preparation of the exam, but the following books are suggested as supporting and in-depth texts.

- F. Walsh: A first course in Electrochemical Engineering. ECC edition

- D. Pletcher: A first course in electrode Process, ECC editions

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ANTONIO BARBUCCI (President)

MARIA PAOLA CARPANESE

MARCO PANIZZA (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/10376/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

L'orario di tutti gli insegnamenti è consultabile all'indirizzo EasyAcademy.

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final test of the module consists in passing a written test for admission to the oral interview. The students find examples of tests proposed in previous years with the relative solutions, some of which are carried out in detail in class.

In the written examination, the report of laboratory experiences will also be evaluated (up to 4 points). The report must be delivered by e-mail to the teacher at least 3 days before the date of the written test.

The written test expires at the end of the exam session (in September for the summer session and in March for the winter session), can be repeated, but in this case the vote of the last written delivered is valid.

To access the oral exam students must have passed the written test with a minimum grade of 16/30 and the grade obtained in this form will be the average between written and oral exam.

Three exam sessions will be available for the 'winter' session (January, February and during the teaching break provided by the Scuola Politenica at Easter) and 3 calls for the 'summer' session (June, July, September and during the autumn break provided by the Polytechnic School). No extraordinary appeals will be granted outside the periods indicated by the Polytechnic School, except for students who have not included in the study plan training activities in the current academic year.

The results of the exams will be published on the aulaweb website of the course.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written examination consists of the sizing or evaluation of the performance of an electrochemical plant and a theoretical question on the industrial applications of electrochemical processes. During the oral examination the student will have to answer questions regarding materials and typical components of electrochemical cells, electrode kinetics and transport phenomena with reference to industrial applications of batteries, fuel cells or electrolysis cells. Reports on laboratory exercises will be evaluated and discussed.

The transversal skills in terms of communication skills, ability to work in teams and learning skills will be acquired through the execution of laboratory exercises to be carried out in a group and discuss the exam.

Students with certification of learning disability or with special needs are encouraged to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course in order to arrange didactic activities and examination isuitable to take into account specific issues and suggest tools useful to reach the learning outcomes.

Exam schedule