Electrochemistry
- Sciences
- 400 level
- 2 credit units
- 69 pages
- 8 units
This course addresses the behaviour of ions in solutions, focusing on the theory, principles, and applications of electrochemical interfaces. It explores the meaning of an electrochemical interface, examining its types, the electric double layer, and mass transport of materials. The course also covers polarization at the interface, polarography, and electronics in electrochemistry, providing a comprehensive understanding of ionic behavior in solutions and electrochemical processes.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 120 hours
- Maths
- Intermediate
- Content
- Theoretical, practical, problem solving
- Practical work
- Yes
- General Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Basic Calculus
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CHM409, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CHM409 · UNIT 2: Electric double layer
The structure of electrolyte at the electrode surface can also depend on the surface charge, with a charge around the pzc potential. For example, on a platinum electrode, water molecules have been reported to be weakly hydrogen-bonded with "oxygen-up" orientation on negatively-charged surfaces, and strongly hydrogen-bonded with nearly flat orientation at positively charged surfaces.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the concept of electric double layers and their effect on electrochemical systems.
- Understand the meaning of potential at zero charge and how it can be measured.
- Explain the concept of polarization of electrodes and other electrochemical interfaces.
- Explain the various forms of mass transport in electrochemical systems.
- Explain the concept of polarography and its application in electrochemistry.
- Explain the concept of electronics in electrochemistry.
What it prepares you for
- Electrochemist
- Corrosion Engineer
- Materials Scientist
- Analytical Chemist
- Battery Technologist
- Battery Technology
- Corrosion Prevention
- Electroplating
- Electrochemical Sensors
- Fuel Cell Development
- Potentiostat
- Electrochemical Workstation
- pH Meter
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2:
Unit 2: Verification of Tafel Equation: Butler-Volmer law
Requires understanding of electrochemical kinetics and thermodynamics, including the application of the Nernst equation.
- Module 3:
Unit 1: Mass Transport
Involves complex mathematical models and derivations, including Fick's laws and the Levich equation, requiring a strong foundation in calculus and physics.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 70 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: Electrochemical interface · 3 hours
Define electrochemical interfaces and explain the concept of charge transfer.. Identify factors influencing electric charge distribution in interfaces.. Use diagrams to explain metal-metal and metal-solution interfaces..
- Week 2Module 1:
Unit 2: Electric double layer · 3 hours
Introduce the concept of electric double layer and its significance.. Highlight the three major zones in electrochemical systems.. Describe different models of the electric double layer.. Explain the concept of potential at zero charge and its significance..
- Week 3Module 2:
Unit 1: Polarization at interface · 3 hours
Explain the concept of polarization in electrochemistry.. State the different types of polarization and overpotentials.. Describe plots for cathodic and anodic polarizations.. Explain the polarization of a single electrode and derive Tafel equation..
- Week 4Module 2:
Unit 2: Verification of Tafel Equation: Butler-Volmer law · 3 hours
Describe the irreversible behavior of an electrode.. Describe the mechanism of electron transfer to an electrode.. Derive the Butler-Volmer equation.. Verify the Tafel equation and interpret Evan's diagram..
- Week 5Module 3:
Unit 1: Mass Transport · 3 hours
Explain the concept of mass transport in electrochemical systems.. Describe the transport of ions in electrolytes.. Understand the rotating disc electroscope theory and Levich equation.. Apply the Levich equation in electrochemistry..
- Week 6Module 3:
Unit 2: Polarography · 3 hours
Describe polarography and its principles.. Identify physical problems handled using polarography.. Derive the Ilkovic equation and explain its terms.. Sketch a typical polarogram and solve related problems..
- Week 7Module 4:
Unit 1: Electronics in electrochemistry · 4 hours
Identify basic elements in electrochemical instruments.. Highlight the importance of circuits in electrochemistry.. Examine electrochemical cells and electron flow mechanisms.. Highlight the functions of transducer and detector in electrochemical instruments..
- Week 8Module 1:
Unit 1: Electrochemical interface · 4 hours
Review Electrochemical interface, charge transfer, and factors influencing charge distribution.. Complete Tutor Marked Assignment for Module 1..
Unit 2: Electric double layer · 4 hours
Review electric double layer, models, and potential at zero charge.. Complete Tutor Marked Assignment for Module 1..
- Week 9Module 2:
Unit 1: Polarization at interface · 4 hours
Review polarization concepts, types, and overpotentials.. Complete Tutor Marked Assignment for Module 2..
Unit 2: Verification of Tafel Equation: Butler-Volmer law · 4 hours
Review Butler-Volmer equation, Tafel equation verification, and Evan's diagram.. Complete Tutor Marked Assignment for Module 2..
- Week 10Module 3:
Unit 1: Mass Transport · 4 hours
Review mass transport concepts, ion transport, and Levich equation.. Complete Tutor Marked Assignment for Module 3..
Unit 2: Polarography · 4 hours
Review polarography principles, Ilkovic equation, and polarogram interpretation.. Complete Tutor Marked Assignment for Module 3..
- Week 11Module 4:
Unit 1: Electronics in electrochemistry · 8 hours
Review electronics in electrochemistry, circuits, and instrument elements.. Complete Tutor Marked Assignment for Module 4..
- Week 12Course Review
Comprehensive Course Review · 8 hours
Comprehensive review of all modules and units.. Focus on key concepts and theories.. Practice problem-solving and calculations..
- Week 13Exam Preparation
Final Revision · 8 hours
Final revision and preparation for the examination.. Review of Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs).. Address any remaining questions or concerns..
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking electrochemical interfaces, double layers, and polarization.
- Practice deriving Butler-Volmer and Tafel equations from first principles.
- Solve numerical problems related to mass transport and diffusion currents.
- Review polarography principles and Ilkovic equation applications.
- Understand the function of each component in electrochemical circuits.
- Focus on understanding the underlying principles and assumptions of each model and equation.
- Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address any areas of weakness.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CHM409 about?
This course addresses the behaviour of ions in solutions, focusing on the theory, principles, and applications of electrochemical interfaces. It explores the meaning of an electrochemical interface, examining its types, the electric double layer, and mass transport of materials. The course also covers polarization at the interface, polarography, and electronics in electrochemistry, providing a comprehensive understanding of ionic behavior in solutions and electrochemical processes.
How many units does CHM409 have?
CHM409, Electrochemistry, has 8 units across 3 modules, over 69 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CHM409?
CHM409 carries 2 credit units, at 400 level in Sciences.
Is CHM409 hard?
CHM409 is rated intermediate level, with intermediate mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, practical and problem solving work, and it has a practical component.
How long does CHM409 take to study?
About 120 hours of study, spread across its 8 units.
How is CHM409 assessed?
CHM409 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What do I need before starting CHM409?
General Chemistry Physical Chemistry Basic Calculus
What can I do with CHM409?
Electrochemist, Corrosion Engineer, Materials Scientist, Analytical Chemist and Battery Technologist.