Course program
1. **Introduction to Electrochemistry (6 hours)**
History and importance of electrochemistry
Historical and theoretical foundations
Applications of electrochemistry in modern chemistry
2. **Electrochemical Thermodynamics (10 hours)**
Electrochemical potential and fundamental laws
Nernst equation
Concepts of Gibbs energy and cell potential
Effect of temperature on electrochemical reactions
3. **Electrochemical Kinetics (10 hours)**
Charge transport mechanisms
Butler-Volmer equation
Reaction rates and kinetic obstacles
Electrocatalysis and surface processes
4. **Theory of Electrochemical Cells (8 hours)**
Structure of an electrochemical cell
Galvanic and electrolytic cells
Components of the cell: anode, cathode, electrolyte
Analysis of electrochemical circuits
5. **Analytical Electrochemistry (6 hours)**
Electrochemical methods: Potentiometry, Voltammetry, Coulometry
Application of analytical techniques for the determination of chemical species
Advantages and limitations of electrochemical techniques
6. **Applications of Electrochemistry (6 hours)**
Electrochemistry in energy materials
Electrochemistry in organic reactions
Electrodeposition and surface treatments
Applications in biomedicine and sensing technologies
Prerequisites
**Prerequisites for Effectively Attending the Electrochemistry Course for the Master's Degree in Chemical Sciences**
To ensure an adequate understanding of the concepts and techniques covered in the Electrochemistry course, it is essential that students possess a series of educational prerequisites and prior knowledge. The following prerequisites are recommended for effective learning in the course:
### 1. Fundamentals of General Chemistry
- **Knowledge of atomic composition and molecules:** Familiarity with atomic structure, chemical bonds, and the periodic table of elements.
- **Principles of chemical thermodynamics:** Understanding of the laws of thermodynamics, energy, entropy, and spontaneity of chemical reactions.
### 2. Physical Chemistry
- **Thermodynamics and kinetics:** Concepts of Gibbs free energy, chemical equilibria, and reaction rates.
- **Equations of state:** Understanding of equilibrium concepts and the models of ideal and real gases.
### 3. Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry
- **Analytical techniques:** Understanding of common analytical methods and their applications in qualitative and quantitative determination of substances.
- **Principles of instrumentation:** Familiarity with tools and techniques used for chemical analysis (spectroscopy, chromatography, etc.).
### 4. Basic Electrochemistry
- **Fundamental concepts of redox reactions:** Understanding of oxidation and reduction processes, electrochemical potential, and associated terms.
- **Simple electrochemical cells:** Basic knowledge of galvanic cells and simple connections between the components of an electric circuit.
### 5. Mathematics and Physics
- **Calculus and algebra:** Skills in solving equations and dealing with units of measurement, concentrations, and quantitative data.
- **Basic principles of physics:** Understanding of principles related to electromagnetism and the behavior of electric currents.
### 6. Study Skills and Transversal Competences
- **Critical analysis skills:** Ability to evaluate and discuss scientific articles and research in the field of electrochemistry.
- **Collaboration and communication:** Proven ability to interact in group work and present ideas and results clearly and concisely.
### Conclusion
Preparation in these areas will not only facilitate the learning experience during the Electrochemistry course but also contribute to a deeper understanding of the advanced aspects and practical applications of the discipline. Students are encouraged to refresh their knowledge in the mentioned fields to maximize their academic performance in the course.
Books
Wesley R. Browne. Electrochemistry. Oxford University Press
Frequency
Attendance to lectures is not mandatory but strongly recommended
Exam mode
"The final assessment will be based on an oral examination covering the content outlined in the syllabus."
Bibliography
n/a
Lesson mode
"The course is organized into lectures for 6 ECTS (48 hours). The lectures will primarily cover the theoretical aspects of basic electrochemistry."