OVERVIEW

The Course chemical kinetics and electrochemistry with Laboratory complete the basic chemical-physical knowledge of materials science students, allowing to approach to the investigation of ì complex Physical chemical systems.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course it is expected that concepts will have been acquired on the evolution of chemical-physical phenomena as a function of time; theoretical-practical concepts on diffusion, solubilization, crystallization; theoretical concepts on reaction kinetics also as a function of temperature. Graphical representation of kinetic data. Elements of electrokinetics. Acquisition of experimental skills for capturing phenomena that vary as a function of time

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching aims to introduce the student to theoretical and practical concepts of chemical kinetics, catalysis, electrochemistry and electrokinetics. The main background to understand the applied electrochemistry, gas/solution phase kinetics, homogeneous, heterogeneous and enzymatic catalysis will be provided. The teaching is expected to make student with familiar with the mathematical derivations necessary for understanding to the fundamental elements of kinetics and electrochemistry. The student should also acquire experimental skills and theoretical-practical knowledge to independently carry out an experimental study on the time-dependent chemical-physical phenomena. Finally, the student should acquire the ability to describe the experimental activity clearly and concisely in the laboratory notebook and to elaborate, rationalize and critically comment on the experimental data within the laboratory report.

PREREQUISITES

Background in elementary physics and mathematics, and Physical Chemistry 1 and General and Inorganic Chemistry are mandatory

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures focused on the course syllabus (32 hours). Students will participate in laboratory activities with guided numerical exercises (24 hours) aimed at reinforcing theoretical knowledge and developing the ability to design experiments to study physicochemical phenomena as a function of time. Attendance at the lectures is considered essential for participation in the laboratory activities.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

CHEMICAL KINETICS AND CATALYSIS

Reaction rate and order. Molecularity and reaction mechanism. Series reactions. Parallel reactions. Reversible reactions. Kinetic analysis of experimental data. Dependence of reaction rate on temperature (Arrhenius equation). Theory of chemical reactions (collision theory and transition state theory). Kinetics of Complex Reactions. Catalysis and catalysts. Homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Langmuir isotherm. Enzymatic catalysis.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY

Principles of electrochemistry: electrical conduction in solution, mobility and transport numbers. Activity and activity coefficients. Electrochemical potential and the Nerst equation. Standard electrode potentials. The electrochemical potential and cells. Applied electrochemistry: primary batteries (Leclanchè, Mallory, Zn-Ag, Zn-air, lithium,), secondary batteries (Pb-acid, Ni-Cd, NiMH, Li ion, Li-S and Na-S). Memory effect and charging processes.  Fuel cells: the principles, thermodynamic efficiency, real losses, structure of a fuel cell

LABORATORY

At least 4 experiments based on the theoretical topics covered during classes

The detailed program will be discussed with the students during classes

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

P.Atkins - J de Paola Chimica Fisica- 2012 (quinta edizione) Zanichelli Bologna

Laidler -Meiser Chimica Fisica 1999 Editoriale Grasso Bologna

E.L.Cussler Diffusion 1997 Cambridge University Press -USA

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The schedule of classes is published at: https://easyacademy.unige.it/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination will be organized as follows

During the semester there will be two  written exam focused on chemical kinetics and on the electrochemistry part, respectively.  In each exam , the student will answer to theoretical questions and  it will solve numerical exercises. Students who pass the two examinations with a grade of not less than 24/30 and have positive evaluation with respect to the laboratory notebook and the laboratory report (see description below), will pass with the grade acquired and in any case not more than 26/30. It will be the student's choice to request to take the oral examination  to further the evaluation possibly allowing for a higher grade to be awarded.

The oral examination is conducted by two tenured faculty members and has a minimum duration of 45 minutes

-) Preparation of the laboratory notebook containing a detailed account of all experimental and computational activities carried out in the laboratory. The laboratory notebook, personally prepared by each student, must be handed in to the teacher at least ten days before the examination.

-) Preparation of the laboratory report prepared in a manner to be discussed in detail during classes. Generally speaking , the laboratory file should contain: a. detailed description of the theoretical foundations and experimental aspects of the laboratory experiences; b. elaboration, rationalization and critical evaluation of the results of the experiments obtained. The laboratory report , prepared by small groups of students, should be handed in to the lecturer at least ten days before the examination.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

L’accertamento del raggiungimento dei risultati di apprendimento attesi avverrà attraverso la valutazione combinata dell’esame scritto, del quaderno di laboratorio e del fascicolo di laboratorio. In particolare:

-) L’esame scritto (orale ove richiesto) consentirà oltre alla valutazione della conoscenza degli argomenti oggetto dell’insegnamento, la verifica della capacità di ragionamento dello studente e della sua abilità nella risoluzione di esercizi numerici. Durante l’esame scritto (orale ove richiesto) saranno inoltre oggetto di valutazione la proprietà di linguaggio e l’utilizzo appropriato di lessico specialistico.

-) La valutazione del quaderno di laboratorio consentirà di verificare la capacità critiche di osservazione e di ragionamento dello studente nella pianificazione e nella esecuzione dell’attività sperimentale. Verranno altresì valutate la capacità di descrivere in modo chiaro organico e dettagliato l’attività di laboratorio.

-) la valutazione del fascicolo di laboratorio consentirà di verificare la capacità dello studente di razionalizzare l’attività sperimentale svolta, elaborando e commentando in modo critico i risultati sperimentali ottenuti durante le attività’ di laboratorio. Sara altresì possibile valutare la capacità degli studenti di organizzare un testo scientifico di media lunghezza in modo razionale ed omogeno. Infine, verrà valuta la capacità degli studenti di lavorare in team.

FURTHER INFORMATION

tudents with disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD) are reminded that, in order to request exam accommodations, they must first upload their certification on the University’s website at the page servizionline.unige.it in the “Studenti” section.

Subsequently, well in advance (at least 10 days) before the exam date, an email must be sent to the instructor of the exam. The email must also be sent in copy (cc) to both the School Inclusion Coordinator for students with disabilities and SLD (sergio.didomizio@unige.it) and the relevant University Office. The email must include the following information:

• the course name

• the exam date

• the student’s surname, first name, and student ID number

• the compensatory tools and dispensatory measures considered useful and requested

The Coordinator will confirm to the instructor that the student is eligible to request accommodations and that such accommodations must be agreed upon with the instructor. The instructor will then reply indicating whether the requested accommodations can be granted.

Requests must be submitted at least 10 days before the exam date to allow the instructor sufficient time for evaluation. In particular, if the use of concept maps is intended during the exam (which must be much more concise than those used for studying), failure to meet the submission deadline will not allow sufficient time for any necessary modifications.

For further information regarding the request for services and accommodations, please consult the document: Guidelines for requesting services, compensatory tools and/or dispensatory measures, and specific aids.