Program Overview

ELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS FOR FUEL AND ELECTROLYSIS CELLS AND BATTERIES

Course Overview

The course introduces students to electrochemical devices for energy conversion and storage, including fuel cells, electrolysers, batteries, supercapacitors, and photoelectrochemical cells. Students will understand the crucial role of these devices in the context of the energy landscape and learn principles of electrochemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, and materials science.

Aims and Content

Learning Outcomes

The purpose of the course is to provide concepts of electrochemistry and aspects of materials science constituting the basis of the most promising electrochemical systems for energy. At the end of the course, students will have acquired theoretical knowledge on the structure and operating principle of each device.

Aims and Learning Outcomes

The course aims to provide students with the concepts of electrochemistry and materials science necessary to understand electrochemical systems for energy. Students will be able to:

• Know the different classes of conductors and charge carriers used in electrochemical cells
• Appreciate the chemical and structural relevance of state-of-the-art materials
• Know the thermodynamic, kinetic, and transport mechanisms that drive electrocatalysis processes
• Learn electrochemical techniques for characterizing such systems

Prerequisites

• Basics of thermodynamics
• Electrochemical kinetics
• Complex numbers

Teaching Methods

The course is divided into lectures, with one to two take-home assignments that must be solved individually. The course also includes compulsory attendance of twelve hours of laboratory experiences.

Syllabus/Content

The teaching program includes:

• Introduction to global energy state and the role of electrochemical systems
• Different classes of conductors and charge carriers
• Fuel cells, including types, structure, and mechanisms
• Batteries, including types, energy conversion mechanisms, and materials
• Supercapacitors, including classification and electrochemical double layer
• Photoelectrochemical cells, including the photovoltaic effect and functional materials
• Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry

Recommended Reading/Bibliography

• J. Newman and K. E. Thomas-Alyea, "Electrochemical Systems"
• "Solid State Electrochemistry I - Fundamentals, Materials and their Applications"
• "Handbook of Battery Materials"
• "Fuel cells and hydrogen production"

Teachers and Exam Board

• MARIA PAOLA CARPANESE

Lessons

• Lessons start on a date to be checked on the provided link
• The timetable for this course is available on the Portale EasyAcademy

Exams

Exam Description

The exam consists of a final written test (60%) and take-home assignments (40%). Students can opt for an oral test to improve their final grade.

Assessment Methods

• Take-home assignments are used to evaluate learning of basic concepts and the ability to critically use these concepts
• The final written test is structured through open and closed questions to evaluate the ability to correctly interpret issues addressed
• The optional oral test is a reflection on concepts and information dealt with throughout the course

Exam Schedule

• Dates for exams are provided in a table with times, locations, and notes

Further Information

Students with disabilities should discuss possible accommodations with the instructor and the Department's disability liaison.