KEMS3300 Electrochemistry (3 cr)
Study level:
Advanced studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English
Responsible organisation:
Department of Chemistry
Curriculum periods:
2026-2027, 2027-2028
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Explore cutting edge electrochemistry and apply it to next generation batteries, corrosion systems, and hydrogen technologies.
Description
The course builds from fundamentals of thermodynamics and kinetics to application blocks in batteries, corrosion, and hydrogen. Emphasis is on electrochemical fundamentals, applications and tests, impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and data quality/uncertainty, with hands‑on laboratory sessions using departmental electrochemical workstations.
Core topics
- Fundamentals of electrochemistry: interfaces, electrodes/electrolytes, reference electrodes, instrumentation, good laboratory practice.
- Thermodynamics & kinetics: Nernst equation, Butler–Volmer, Tafel analysis; mass transport (diffusion/convection, RDE concepts).
- Electrochemistry of batteries: half‑cells, OCV/SoC/SoH, IR drop, rate capability, degradation indicators.
- Electrochemistry of corrosion: mixed potential theory, corrosion potential/current, passivation, pitting.
- Electrochemistry of hydrogen: HER/OER in acidic and alkaline media; overpotentials; stability metrics.
- Electrochemical tests (methods block): CV, LSV, CA/CP, polarization, LPR, OCP/OCV, rate & stability protocols; data hygiene & uncertainty.
- Impedance spectroscopy (EIS): frequency‑domain analysis, equivalent circuits, fitting strategies, diagnostics (with a dedicated lab).
- Advanced topics in electrochemistry research (selected case studies and current literature).
Learning outcomes
Students who pass the course will be able to:
- Explain core thermodynamic and kinetic principles of electrochemical interfaces and apply them to battery, corrosion, and green‑hydrogen systems.
- Differentiate kinetic, ohmic, and mass‑transport limitations from CV/LSV/EIS/polarization signatures.
- Select and justify appropriate electrochemical tests (CV, LSV, CA/CP, polarization, LPR, OCP/OCV, rate/stability) for batteries, corrosion, and hydrogen research questions.
- Operate an electrochemical workstation, design sound, safe test protocols, and follow safety best practices.
- Analyze and quantify key metrics: capacity/efficiency/IR drop (batteries); corrosion rate & passivation (corrosion); Tafel slope, exchange current, stability & performance for HER/OER.
- Model and interpret EIS data using suitable equivalent circuits (separating ohmic, charge‑transfer, double‑layer, diffusion contributions).
- Evaluate uncertainty and experimental artifacts and propose corrective actions.
- Communicate results effectively in concise technical lab reports and a short presentation.
Working life skills
- Practical use of electrochemical workstations and cells.
- Benchmarking, uncertainty analysis, and reporting aligned with R&D practice.
- Safety and risk assessment in electrochemistry labs.
- Translating measurements into actionable materials/process decisions.
Description of prerequisites
Required: Bachelor-level physical chemistry (thermodynamics & kinetics) and basic laboratory skills.
Recommended: Introductory electrochemistry (self‑study acceptable).
Helpful: Basic circuit modeling and numerical data analysis.
Study materials
Lecture handouts, lab manuals, and selected review papers
Literature
- Oldham, K. B., Myland, J. C., & Bond, A. M. (2011). Electrochemical Science and Technology: Fundamentals and Applications. Wiley.
- Zhang, L., Zhao, H., Wilkinson, D. P., Sun, X., & Zhang, J. (Eds.). (2020). Electrochemical Water Electrolysis: Fundamentals and Technologies. CRC Press.
- McCafferty, E. (2010). Introduction to Corrosion Science. Springer.
- Orazem, M. E., & Tribollet, B. (2017). Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (2nd ed.). Wiley.
- Landolt, D. (2007). Corrosion and Surface Chemistry of Metals. EPFL Press (distributed by CRC Press).
Completion methods
Method 1
Evaluation criteria:
To pass the course, the student must achieve a total score of at least 50%, obtain at least 40% on the exam, and complete all laboratory assignments with acceptable reports.
Time of teaching:
Period 2
Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
x
Participation in teaching (3 cr)
Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
<ul><li>Final exam (2 h) — 35% (minimum 40% required to pass).</li><li>Laboratory reports (4 reports) — 35% (all labs & safety checks required).</li><li>Problem sets (biweekly) — 15%.</li><li>Short presentation / mini‑project — 10%.</li><li>Participation/engagement — 5%.</li></ul>
Language:
English
Study methods:
Includes lectures, exercises, four labs, and a final exam or mini‑project presentation.