OVERVIEW

The course examines the principles governing electrochemical systems for energy conversion and storage, with particular emphasis on the role of materials, defects, surfaces, interfaces, microstructure and transport phenomena in determining performance and durability. These concepts are applied to fuel cells, electrolysers and batteries, integrating experimental characterization and multiphysics modelling.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The purpose of the course is to provide the concepts of electrochemistry and the aspects of materials science constituting the basis of the most promising electrochemical systems for energy. At the end of the course the student will have acquired the theoretical knowledge on the structure and operating principle of each device, whether it be for conversion (spontaneous current flows - galvanic cells, photoelectrochemical cells - and forced - electrolysers) or for storage (secondary batteries, supercapacitors).

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide an integrated understanding of the thermodynamic, kinetic and

transport phenomena governing electrochemical energy systems and to develop the ability to relate material properties, surfaces and interfaces, device architecture and electrochemical performance. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• explain the thermodynamic and electrochemical principles underlying energy conversion and storage, distinguishing equilibrium, reversible potential and polarised operation;
• relate crystal defects, composition, transport properties and microstructure to the ionic, electronic and diffusive behaviour of materials used in electrochemical systems;
• interpret surface and interfacial phenomena and apply the concepts of charge transfer, electrocatalysis, TPB, MIEC and contact resistance to the analysis of performance;
• compare fuel cells, electrolysers and batteries in terms of operating principles, charge carriers, materials, architecture, operating conditions, performance and degradation;
• analyse polarization curves, electrochemical data and impedance spectra to distinguish thermodynamic, kinetic, ohmic and transport contributions based on the available data;
• interpret electrochemical characterization and multiphysics modelling results by relating them to physical phenomena and to the properties of materials and interfaces;
• analyse a performance or degradation problem and formulate physically motivated hypotheses, proposing experimental strategies or modifications to the material/device;
• communicate clearly and scientifically appropriately the interpretation of data, phenomena and solutions concerning electrochemical systems, whose analysis requires a multidisciplinary approach.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of general chemistry and physics is required, with reference to the structure of matter, chemical interactions and fundamental thermodynamic principles. Familiarity with basic concepts of materials science, such as structure, microstructure and the relationship between structure and properties, is useful.

TEACHING METHODS

The course comprises 36 hours of lectures and 12 hours of laboratory work. Lectures integrate theoretical explanations, case-study discussions, interpretation of graphs and experimental data, and problem-solving activities. The course includes multiphysics modelling activities, with emphasis on the connection between physical phenomena, simulation and observable device behaviour. Laboratory activities include cell architecture and operation, activation/reduction and OCV measurement; characterization through galvanostatic measurements and polarization curves; electrochemical diagnostics through linear sweep measurements and EIS. Students are guided to interpret the results in terms of materials, interfaces and transport phenomena. Attendance at laboratory activities is required according to the regulations of the Degree Programme. Teaching materials and experimental data are made available through Aulaweb.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. Electrochemical fundamentals

Thermodynamics and electrochemical equilibrium; cell potential and the Nernst equation; real operating conditions and polarisation; irreversibility and efficiency.

2. Functional materials, defects and transport

Structure and defects in materials; ionic and electronic conduction; mixed ionic-electronic conductors; transport phenomena and transport in porous materials; relationship between composition, microstructure and functional properties.

3. Electrochemical interfaces and kinetics

Electrode/electrolyte interfaces and the electrical double layer; surface processes and electrocatalysis; charge-transfer kinetics; Butler–Volmer equation and overpotential; electrochemically active area, TPB, MIEC and contact resistance.

4. Fuel Cells

Operating principles, architectures and materials of PEMFCs and SOFCs; performance, loss mechanisms and main degradation phenomena.

5. Electrolysis and reversible systems

Principles of water electrolysis; PEMECs and SOECs; performance, materials and degradation phenomena; reversibility of electrochemical systems.

6. Rechargeable batteries and energy storage systems

Operating principles and battery architecture; materials for Li-ion batteries; intercalation, conversion and alloying processes; electrolytes and interfaces; performance, rate capability and degradation. Overview of solid-state batteries, sodium-ion systems and supercapacitors.

7. Multiphysics modelling and electrochemical diagnostics

Physics-based and multiphysics modelling approaches for electrochemical systems; coupling between kinetics, charge and mass transport and interpretation of simulation results. Principles and applications of the main electrochemical characterisation techniques, with reference to direct-current measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• R. O’Hayre et al., Fuel Cell Fundamentals, 4th ed., Wiley, 2022.
• A. J. Bard, L. R. Faulkner, H. S. White, Electrochemical Methods: Fundamentals and Applications, 3rd ed., Wiley, 2022.
• J. Newman, K. E. Thomas-Alyea, Electrochemical Systems, 3rd ed., Wiley, 2004.

Teaching materials provided by the teacher. Specific bibliographic references will be provided during the course.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARIA PAOLA CARPANESE (President)

ANTONIO BARBUCCI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

According to the timetable reported here 

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final assessment consists of a Take-Home Assignment (THA), worth 40% of the final grade, and a final written examination, worth 60%. The THA consists of an individual, complex scientific problem based on experimental and/or simulation data. Students are required to interpret results, identify the phenomena limiting performance, and propose possible solutions or further investigations. The written assignment accounts for 30% of the final grade, while 10% is assigned to a brief individual discussion (5–10 minutes) aimed at verifying the student’s personal understanding of the work. The final written examination consists of open-ended questions and questions involving the interpretation of electrochemical data, curves and/or electrochemical spectra, aimed at assessing individual mastery of the fundamental concepts and the ability to reason under time constraints. No multiple-choice tests or quizzes are used.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The THA primarily assesses the ability to integrate knowledge of materials, electrochemistry, transport and characterisation. The assignment is assessed in terms of the ability to interpret data, identify the mechanisms responsible for the observed behaviour, propose well-motivated strategies for further investigation or improvement, and communicate the analysis clearly and scientifically. The brief individual discussion evaluates understanding and the ability to justify the main choices made in the assignment. The final written examination evaluates individual achievement of the learning outcomes through open-ended questions, data interpretation and the ability to establish cause-and-effect relationships. Scientific correctness and the appropriate use of data are essential criteria in all assessment activities.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The course is delivered entirely in English within the SERP Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Programme. Generative AI tools may be used in the THA as supporting resources, provided that their use is transparently declared by indicating the tools used, their purpose and the extent of their contribution. Students remain fully responsible for the scientific accuracy, interpretation of data, citations and conclusions presented. Students with specific educational needs, learning disabilities or other educational needs may agree with the instructor and the relevant inclusion representative on appropriate teaching and assessment arrangements, consistently with the intended learning outcomes.