Introductory description

This module will describe the state-of-the-art in interfacial chemistry and electrochemistry; both are key to advances in nanotechnology, energy conversion, electrosynthesis, pollutant removal from water systems etc. Many of the concepts covered in this course are used practically in industrial and technology companies cutting across energy, environmental, pharma and healthcare.

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.

The module is split into 4 distinct topics:
Topic 1: Introduction to the Solid and Liquid Interface
Topic 2: Surface Characterization Techniques (structural and chemical) including microscopy and surface sensitive spectroscopy
Topic 3: Introduction to the Solid – Electrolyte Interface and Dynamic Electrochemical Measurements
Topic 4: Electrochemistry in Action

Learning outcomes

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

• Gain an appreciation of the importance of interfacial processes across chemistry
• Investigate interfacial chemistry and structure across the length scales from the nanoscale to industry scale
• Gain an appreciation of fundamentals of the electrode – electrolyte interface and introduction to dynamic electrochemistry
• Gain an appreciation of application of dynamic electrochemistry in electrocatalysis, fuel cells, electrosynthesis, environmental pollutant removal, biological and environmental species monitoring
• Exposure to the potential uses of AI

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Subject specific skills

Numeracy
Teamwork
Digital literacy
Critical thinking
Communication
Problem solving
Exposure to the potential uses of AI

Transferable skills

Teamwork
Digital literacy
Critical thinking
Communication
Problem solving