Syllabus
Unit 1
Background Theory: Origin of potential – electrical double layer – reversible electrode potential – standard hydrogen electrode – emf series – measurement of potential – reference electrodes (calomel and silver/silver chloride) indicator and ion selective electrodes – Nernst equation – irreversible processes – kinetic treatment – Butler- Volmer equation – Overpotential, activation, concentration and IR overpotential – its practical significance – Tafel equation and Tafel plots – exchange current density and transfer coefficients.
Unit 2
Batteries: Primary batteries: The chemistry, fabrication and performance aspects, packing classification and rating of the following batteries: (The materials taken their function and significance, reactions with equations, their performance in terms of discharge, capacity, and energy density to be dealt with). Zinc-carbon (Leclanche type), zinc alkaline (Duracell), zinc/air, zinc-silver oxide batteries; lithium primary cells – liquid cathode, solid cathode and polymer electrolyte types and lithium-ferrous sulphide cells (comparative account).
Secondary batteries: ARM (alkaline rechargeable manganese) cells, Lead acid and VRLA (valve regulated (sealed) lead acid), nickel-cadmium, nickel-zinc, nickel- metal hydride batteries, lithium ion batteries, ultra thin lithium polymer cells (comparative account). Advanced Batteries for electric vehicles, requirements of the battery – sodium- beta and redox batteries.
Unit 3
Reserve batteries and Fuel cells: Reserve batteries – water activated, electrolyte activated and thermally activated batteries – remote activation – pyrotechnic materials. Fuel Cells: Principle, chemistry and functioning – carbon, hydrogen- oxygen, proton exchange membrane (PEM), direct methanol(DMFC), molten carbonate electrolyte (MCFC) fuel cells and outline of biochemical fuel cells.
Electrochemical Processes: Principle, process description, operating conditions, process sequence and applications of Electroforming – production of waveguide and plated through hole (PTH) printed circuit boards by electrodeposition; Electroless plating of nickel, copper and gold; Electropolishing of metals; Anodizing of aluminium; Electrochemical machining of metals and alloys.
Text Books / References
TEXTBOOKS:
- Derek Pletcher and Frank Walsh, “Industrial Electrochemistry”, Blackie Academic and Professional, (1993).
- Dell, Ronald M Rand, David A J, “Understanding Batteries”, Royal Society of Chemistry, (2001).
REFERENCES:
- Christopher M A, Brett, “Electrochemistry – Principles, Methods and Applications”, Oxford University, (2004).
- Watanabe T, “Nano-plating: microstructure control theory of plated film and data base of plated film microstructure”, Elsevier, Oxford, UK (2004).
- Kanani N, “Electroplating and electroless plating of copper and its alloy”, ASM International, Metals Park, OH and Metal Finishing Publications, Stevenage, UK (2003).
- Lindon David, “Handbook of Batteries”, McGraw Hill, (2002).
- Curtis, “Electroforming”, London, (2004).
- Rumyantsev E and Davydov A, “Electrochemical machining of metals”, Mir, Moscow, (1989).
Objectives and Outcomes
Course Outcomes:
CO1: Understand the fundamental concepts of electrochemistry through electrode potential and reaction kinetics
CO2: Learn the application of the electrochemical principles for the functioning and fabrication of industrial
batteries and fuel cells
CO3: Acquire knowledge in solving numerical problems on applied electrochemistry
CO4: Analysis and practical problem solving in fabrication of batteries and fuel cells
CO5: Application of concepts and principle in industrial electrochemical processes
CO6: Evaluation of comprehensive knowledge through problem solving
Evaluation Pattern
Evaluation Pattern
Assessment |
Internal |
End Semester |
Periodical 1 (P1) |
15 |
|
Periodical 2 (P2) |
15 |
|
*Continuous Assessment (CA) |
20 |
|
End Semester |
|
50 |
*CA – Can be Quizzes, Assignment, Projects, and Reports.