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 batteries; Lithium primary cells – liquid cathode, solid cathode and lithium-ferrous sulphide cells (comparative account).

Secondary batteries: Lead acid and VRLA (valve regulated (sealed) lead acid), nickel-cadmium, nickel-zinc, nickel- metal hydride batteries, lithium ion batteries, ultrathin lithium polymer cells (comparative account). Advanced Batteries for electric vehicles, requirements of the battery – sodium-beta and redox batteries.

Unit 3

Fuel Cells: Description, working principle, anodic, cathodic and cell reactions, fabrication of electrodes and other components, applications, advantages, disadvantages and environmental aspects of the following types of fuel cells: Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells, alkaline fuel cells, phosphoric acid, solid oxide, molten carbonate, direct methanol fuel cells.

Membranes for fuel cells: Nafion – Polymer blends and composite membranes; assessment of performance – recent developments.

Fuels for Fuel Cells: Hydrogen, methane, methanol – Sources and preparation, reformation processes for hydrogen – clean up and storage of the fuels – use in cells, advantages and disadvantages of using hydrogen as fuel.

• Dell, Ronald M Rand, David A J, ‘Understanding Batteries’, Royal Society of Chemistry, (2001).
• M. Aulice Scibioh and B. Viswanathan ‘Fuel Cells – Principles and Applications’, University Press, India (2006).

Reference(s)

• Kanani N, ‘Electroplating and Electroless Plating of Copper and its Alloy’, ASM International, Metals Park, OH and Metal Finishing Publications, Stevenage, UK (2003).
• Curtis, ‘Electroforming’, London, (2004).
• F. Barbir, ‘PEM Fuel Cells: Theory and Practice’, Elsevier, Burlington, MA, (2005).
• G. Hoogers, ‘Fuel Cell Handbook’, CRC, Boca Raton, FL, (2003).

Evaluation Pattern

Course Objective

To provide sound knowledge on the application of electrochemistry in energy storage systems.

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 industrial batteries and fuel cells
• CO3: Analysis of practical problem solving in fabricating batteries and fuel cells
• CO4: Evaluation of comprehensive knowledge through problem solving