Batteries and Fuel Cells

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

In this class, students learn the fundamental theoretical concepts underlying electrochemical systems, but do not learn how these concepts govern the function of engineered electrochemical systems. This course combines the study of charge transfer at electrode/electrolyte interfaces with the development of practical materials and processes. The development of the technology involves the study of the electrochemical reactors, their voltage and current distribution, mass transport conditions, hydrodynamics, geometry as well as the quantification of overall performance in terms of reaction yield, conversion efficiency, and energy efficiency. This course examines the operational principles of electrochemical energy storage devices (batteries and capacitors), energy conversion devices (fuel cells, electrolyzers), electrodeposition, corrosion, and bioelectrochemical interfaces. The emphasis is on materials and device design based on fundamental chemistry and physics concepts that govern the properties and performance of the materials/devices involved. Specific systems of study will include electrode and electrolyte materials for primary (non-rechargeable) and secondary (rechargeable) batteries including lithium-ion batteries, electrochemical capacitors, proton exchange membrane fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells, alloy electrocatalysts, mixed ionic-electric conductors, and biosensor development.