Course syllabus for Applied electrochemistry

Course syllabus adopted 2025-02-22 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameTillämpad elektrokemi
  • CodeKBT355
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPMCN
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyChemical Engineering with Engineering Physics, Chemical Engineering, Engineering Chemistry
  • DepartmentCHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 30142
  • Maximum participants30 (at least 10% of the seats are reserved for exchange students)
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0125 Laboratory 1.5 c
Grading: UG		 1.5 c
0225 Project 1.5 c
Grading: TH		 1.5 c
0325 Examination 4.5 c
Grading: TH		 4.5 c

In programmes

Examiner

Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

Thermodynamics, physical chemistry/chemical physics or equivalent, calculus.
Applicants enrolled in a program at Chalmers where the course is included in the study program are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Aim

The main aim of the course is to provide students with an understanding of fundamental and applied concepts of electrochemistry. The clean energy transition brings many scientific and engineering challenges, notably in the field of electrochemical energy storage and chemical and energy technologies. Electrification of our society and industry requires trained engineers and researchers with strong knowledge of electrochemistry. The students will gain a comprehensive understanding of electrochemical systems and their role in addressing current and future challenges.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

Module #1:
- Explain the fundamental principles of electrochemistry, including electrode potentials, redox reactions, and electrochemical cell designs.
- Describe applications of electrochemistry such as electrochemical energy storage, electrocatalysis, and sensors.

Module #2:
- Collaborate with a group of students to research or explore an advanced topic in electrochemistry.
- Develop a clear and visually engaging scientific poster summarizing key findings and present the poster at the poster sessions of the course.
- Evaluate peer presentations and provide constructive feedback.

Module #3:
- Conduct electrochemical experiments (e.g., chronoamperometry, cyclic voltammetry, etc.).
- Analyze experimental data to determine key electrochemical parameters.
- Write clear, concise, and well-organized lab reports, demonstrating the ability to interpret experimental results in the context of theoretical principles.

Content

The course starts with an overview of fundamental principles in electrochemistry where thermodynamics and concepts such as electrode potentials or redox reactions are introduced. The course delves into topics including kinetics of electrochemical reactions, the Nernst equation and electrocatalysis. It will also introduce key electrochemical methods and tools such as cyclic voltammetry, and rotating disk electrode measurements to characterize material performance for important electrochemical reactions. The second part of the course focuses on applications and electrochemical devices such as batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers and sensors. Finally, students team up to work in groups on a project dealing with electrochemistry, applying their knowledge gathered in the course to findings by preparing and presenting a poster.

Organisation

The course consists of three modules (Module #1 (Lectures and problem sets with written exam as well as study visit, 4.5 HECs), Module #2 (Project and poster presentation, 1.5 HECs), and Module #3 (labs and lab reports, 1.5 HECs)). A study visit might be included to a company or SEEL (Swedish Electric Transport Laboratory).

Literature

Literature will be announced on the course web page before start of the course.

Examination including compulsory elements

7,5 HEC (4.5 HEC for written exam and study visit, 1,5 HEC for project and poster presentation and 1,5 HEC for labs and lab reports).

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers about disability study support.