Course Topics
This course covers the principles of electrochemical energy production, storage, and conversion. Main topics include:(i) the study of equivalent circuits, (ii) thermodynamics, (iii) reaction kinetics, (iv) transport phenomena, (v) hydrogen production and use; (vi) applications to batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers and supercapacitors.

Teaching format
Frontal lectures and Laboratory.

Educational objectives
Knowledge and understanding: profound and detailed scientific knowledge and understanding of the principles of equilibrium and non-equilibrium electrochemistry Applying Knowledge and understanding: profound and detailed scientific knowledge of the main electrochemical energy conversion and storage methods Making judgments: skills and problem-solving capacity to analyze problems of electrochemical energy conversion and storage Communication skills: ability to structure and prepare scientific and technical documentation describing project activities Learning skills: ability to independently keep up to date with developments in the most important areas of electrochemical energy conversion and storage.

Assessment
Evaluation of written reports on lab experiments and oral examinations. The examination consists of either an oral test, or the discussion of a report written by the student on a topic which may be either freely chosen or chosen in agreement with the course lecturer. An alternative method for the exam is building an electrochemical device with given specifications (e.g. A zinc-carbon battery which provides a given amount of power for a given time) and discussion of the procedures used and the problems found.

Evaluation criteria
Showing a sufficient knowledge of the topic and the ability to answer related questions.

Required readings

One of the following books:

Electrochemical Engineering, Thomas F. Fuller and John N. Harb.

Water Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production, Pasquale Cavaliere

Fundamentals of Electrochemistry, Bagotsky

Electrochemistry for material science - Plieth

Hydrogen Storage Technology Materials and Applications, ed. Lennie Klebanof

Electrochemical Power Sources (Batteries, Fuel Cells and Supercapacitors, ed V.S Bagotsky, A.M Skundin,Y.M Volfkovich

Supplementary readings

Other files dedicated to specific topics will be indicated or given during the course.

Further information
Connections with other courses This course is connected with the course Advanced Materials for Energy Engineering (140487), which extends several topics introduced here, with a particular focus on the materials and devices used in energy conversion and storage systems. It’s a natural continuation and highly recommended for students who want to explore more about device fabrication and material performance. Professional applications of the covered topics The topics covered are highly relevant for careers in the energy field, particularly in companies and research centers focused on batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers, and supercapacitors. Students will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills useful for R&D, system design, and evaluating electrochemical devices. These are key areas in today’s shift towards sustainable energy, like electric mobility, portable electronics, grid storage, and green hydrogen.