Introductory description

This module provides a grounding in the fundamentals of electrochemistry, electroanalytical techniques and sensor technology. The module encompasses potentiometric methods, voltammetric/amperometric techniques, microfluidic/flow devices. Electrochemistry aspects draw on Warwick’s major strengths in this area and include developments in ion selective electrodes, electrode kinetics and mass transport and key techniques, such as linear sweep and cyclic voltammetry, hydrodynamic electrodes, stripping voltammetry, ultramicroelectrodes and array devices. Lectures and problems classes are supplemented by laboratory sessions which provide students with practical hands-on experience.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Lectures cover the following subjects:

• Scope of electrochemistry and the context of electroanalytical chemistry
• Electrode/solution interfaces and the origin of potentials
• Equilibrium techniques (pH measurement, ion selective electrodes)
• Dynamic electrochemistry, including instrumentation, techniques, mass transport and kinetics
• Cyclic voltammetry and potential step methods
• Hydrodynamic electrodes: rotating disc electrode; jet electrodes; dropping mercury electrode; channel electrodes
• Electrode material considerations and potential windows
• New electrode materials: diamond and carbon nanotubes
• Stripping voltammetry
• Microelectrode techniques
• Electrochemical imaging
• Online-line analysis, lab-on-a chip concept and array techniques

Laboratories:
Cyclic voltammetry; rotating disc electrode or microelectrode; determination of fluoride in toothpaste

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Show an advanced understanding of the fundamental principles behind modern electroanalytical techniques.
• Discriminate between various electroanalytical techniques, understanding the advantages, disadvantages and current applications of each.
• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and interpret data from a variety of measurements.
• Display practical consideration for sources and treatment of experimental error.
• Understand the demand for different sensor technologies and the principles and practice of their application.
• Follow good and safe practice in the laboratory.
• Demonstrate sound laboratory and measurement skills.
• Produce clearly written and original scientific reports.Research and reference relevant literature.

Indicative reading list

Lifting the lid on the potentiostat: a beginners guide to electrochemical circuitry and practical operation, doi.org/10.1039/D1CP00661D
A Practical Beginner’s Guide to Cyclic Voltammetry, DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.7b00361
Microelectrodes, R. J. Forster, Chem. Soc. Rev., 1994, 289.
Electroanalysis, Oxford Chemistry Primer, Christopher Brett and Ana Maria Oliveira Brett

Subject specific skills

• Show an advanced understanding of the fundamental principles behind modern electroanalytical techniques.
• Discriminate between various electroanalytical techniques, understanding the advantages, disadvantages and current applications of each.
• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and interpret data from a variety of measurements.
• Display practical consideration for sources and treatment of experimental error.
• Understand the demand for different sensor technologies and the principles and practice of their application.
• Communicate verbally and in writing
• Demonstrate numeracy
• Independently use information technology: data-fitting software and spreadsheets
• Locate and evaluate relevant information from outside sources
• Manage time effectively
  Cognitive Skills:
• Critically analyse data
• Comprehensively assess errors in data
• Test hypotheses using experimental data
• Interpret results using information from literature.
• Follow good and safe practice in the laboratory.
• Demonstrate sound laboratory and measurement skills.
• Produce clearly written and original scientific reports.
  Research and reference relevant literature.

Transferable skills

TBC