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, 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:

1. Derek Pletcher and Frank Walsh, “Industrial Electrochemistry”, Blackie Academic and Professional, (1993).
2. Dell, Ronald M Rand, David A J, “Understanding Batteries”, Royal Society of Chemistry, (2001).

REFERENCES:

1. Christopher M A, Brett, “Electrochemistry – Principles, Methods and Applications”, Oxford University, (2004).
2. Watanabe T, “Nano-plating: microstructure control theory of plated film and data base of plated film microstructure”, Elsevier, Oxford, UK (2004).
3. Kanani N, “Electroplating and electroless plating of copper and its alloy”, ASM International, Metals Park, OH and Metal Finishing Publications, Stevenage, UK (2003).
4. Lindon David, “Handbook of Batteries”, McGraw Hill, (2002).
5. Curtis, “Electroforming”, London, (2004).

1. Rumyantsev E and Davydov A, “Electrochemical machining of metals”, Mir, Moscow, (1989).

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

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