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Identical coursesElectrochemical Methods in Inorganic Chemistry (B-KUL-G0J65B)
Aims
In this course a basis of fundamental electrochemistry is provided: thermodynamics of an electrochemical reaction will be treated. Furthermore, the behaviour of mass-transport controlled reactions are discussed. An overview of important electrochemical techniques will be given in order to illustrate how electrochemical parameters of electrode reactions can be determined. The use of electrochemistry in the field of nanotechnology will be highlighted.
The aim of this course is to provide a thorough basis of the fundamentals of electrode reactions. The students will have to be able to choose the most suitable electrochemical technique for any particular situation. It is important that the student knows how to tackle practically a fundamental experiment of an electrochemical problem and knows how to evaluate the outcome of such an analysis. Throughout this course the combination of electrochemistry and nanotechnology will be treated.
- Remark : This course (GOJ65b) is spread over 7 lectures and covers 3 study points. Subsequently, the possibility exists to follow 5 more specialised lectures which cover another 3 study points. The 5 specialised lectures cannot be followed separately, but it is possible to follow the 12 lectures as a whole for 6 study points (for more information see GOJ65a).
Previous knowledge
- This course requires a profound understanding of oxidation - reduction reactions in chemical systems such as provided in the bachelor OPO Fundamentals for chemistry (B-KUL-G0N01C, B-KUL-G0N01D, B-KUL-G0N01E)
Is included in these courses of study
- Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling (Leuven et al) 120 ects.
- Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Science (Leuven)
- Master in de nanowetenschappen, nanotechnologie en nano-engineering (Leuven) 120 ects.
- Master of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering (Leuven) 120 ects.
- Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Engineering Science (Leuven)
- Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (Leuven et al) 120 ects.
Activities
3 ects. Part 1: Fundamental Principles of Electrochemistry (B-KUL-G0U01a)
Content
Part I treats fundamental aspects of electrochemistry and typical electrochemical techniques. The combination of electrochemistry and nanotechnology is also treated in this part.
Part1 : Fundamental Principles of Electrochemistry
1. Redox reactions
1.1. Introduction
1.2. Thermodynamics of redox reactions
2. Reactions in absence of current
2.1. Validity of Nernst law
2.2. Potentiometry
3. Reactions in presence of current
3.1. Non-Faradaic current
3.2. Faradaic current
3.3. Reaction kinetics at an electrode surface
4. Mass-transfer controlled reactions
4.1. The Nernst-Planck equation
4.2. Semi-empirical treatment of mass-transfer controlled reactions
4.3. Diffusion controlled reactions
5. Electrochemical Methods
5.1. Linear sweep voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry
5.2. Square wave voltammetry
5.3. Chrono-amperometry
5.4. Methods based on the concept of impedance
5.5. Case studies
6. Electrodepositions
6.1. Introduction
6.2. The initial stages of electrodeposition
6.3. Copper coatings
7. Electrochemistry as a nanoscience
7.1. Characterization of the Electrode Surface on a nanoscale
7.2. Use of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) in electrochemistry
Course material
A syllabus is available: 'Electrochemical Methods Part 2 : Electrochemical Applications'. Additionally,although not necessary, the book 'Industrial Electrochemistry' by Derrek Pletcher and Frank C. Walsh can be used.
The course will be available on Toledo at the start of the academic year. (Alternatively, it is distributed by some student organisations as well (e.g. Scientica)).
Format: more information
Is also included in other courses
Evaluation
Evaluation: Electrochemical Methods in Inorganic Chemistry (B-KUL-G2J65b)
Explanation
The theory course is examinated by means of an oral exam, with written preparation. The written preparation must be carried out rigorously as it is the only document that can be consulted in case of discussion of the exam result. The greater part of the quotation will be based on the written preparation. The oral questions are merely to verify if the questions were interpreted well, to give the student the opportunity to eventually correct a wrong answer, to adjust eventual incompletnesses or to give an even more in depth answer. The quotation in the oral part can only result in a minor correction of the quotation of the written preparation.
A typical exam consists of 5 questions that have to be answered briefly i.e. the most important aspects, keywords, consequences etc. of the interrogated subject must be explained without elaboration. Then, the student can choose one out of two main questions that has to be answered thoroughly and complete.
The examination does not deal exclusively with the content of the theory course, but also with other information given during the courses.