Course

CHEMISTRY

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.

Text Books / References

TEXTBOOKS:

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

REFERENCES:

1. Kanani N, ‘Electroplating and electroless plating of copper and its alloy’, ASM International, Metals Park,

OH and Metal Finishing Publications, Stevenage, UK (2003).

1. Curtis, ‘Electroforming’, London, (2004).
2. Barbir, ‘PEM fuel cells: theory and practice’, Elsevier, Burlington, MA, (2005).
3. Hoogers, ‘Fuel cell handbook’, CRC, Boca Raton, FL, (2003).

Course Objective:

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

Course Outcome

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

Evaluation Pattern

*CA – Can be Quizzes, Assignment, Projects, and Reports.