EL25402 Electrodics and Electrocatalysis – Semester IV – ChemElec – R-2025

Subject Code & Name: EL25402 – Electrodics and Electrocatalysis

Regulation: R-2025

Semester: IV (Fourth Semester)

Branch: B. Tech. Chemical and Electrochemical Engineering (ChemElec)

Credits / L-T-P: 3 Credits | L-T-P: 3-0-0

Course Objectives

• To provide a detailed understanding of electrical double layer concepts, electrode kinetics and electrocatalysis, and to familiarize students with advanced electrochemical techniques including potentiometry, amperometry, and impedance-based methods.

Full Unit-wise Syllabus

Unit I – Electrical Double Layer

Thermodynamics of ideally polarizable and non- polarizable interfaces- Lipman equation determination of interfacial tension, charge density, surface excess and double layer capacitance by electro capillary & bridge methods- Helmholtz, Gouy-Chapman and stern models of the double layer with discussion of potential and charge distribution inside the double layer-contact adsorption and its determination.

Activities: Numerical problems on capacitance and charge distribution.

Unit II – Electrode Kinetics

Concepts of equilibrium potential, Nernst equation, overpotential and its different types, equilibrium exchange current density-derivation of Butler-Volmer equation –high field and low field approximations – charge transfer resistance and polarizability of the interface – concepts of rate determining step, Stoichiometric number, reaction order – Determination of kinetics parameters [ io, ks,()] by Tafel and linear polarization methods.

Activities: Numerical analysis of Tafel plots; derivation-based problems on Butler– Volmer equation.

Unit III – Electrocatalysis

Chemical catalysis and electro catalysis – comparison of electrocatalysts – electro catalysis in simple redox reactions involving adsorbed species – electronic and geometric factors in electrocatalysts -Discussion on the mechanisms of hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction reactions.

Activities: Case studies on electrocatalysts; mechanism analysis of HER and ORR.

Unit IV – Electrochemical Techniques I

Ion selective electrodes – Principles of potentiometry and amperometry- determination of dissolved oxygen. Linear sweep voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry derivation of Randles- Sevciks equation – effect of sweep rate-analysis of cyclic voltammograms.

Activities: Analysis of voltammograms; numerical problems on scan rate and peak current relationships.

Unit V – Electrochemical Techniques II

Potential step method (chronoamperometry) under diffusion control derivation of Cottrell equation for a planar and spherical electrode- significance of spherical diffusion – derivation of Ilkovic equation.- Chronopotentiometry and analysis of chronopotentiograms-derivation of sands equation for constant current input under linear diffusion- concepts of Faradaic impedance –derivation of kinetic parameters from impedance measurements – Nyquist and bode plots for simple redox reactions-principles of scanning probe techniques-STM-AFM and SECM – working principles of electrochemistry.

Activities: Interpretation of impedance plots; numerical problems on chronoamperometry and chronopotentiometry.

Course Outcomes (COs)

• CO1: Apply engineering concepts to electrochemical systems, electrode kinetics, and principles of electrocatalysis.
• CO2: Analyze electrochemical reactions and electrode processes to understand kinetics, mechanisms, and transport phenomena.
• CO3: Evaluate electrocatalytic systems and materials to assess their efficiency, performance, and applicability in energy and environmental processes.
• CO4: Design electrochemical and electrocatalytic systems by applying principles of electrode kinetics and material selection for practical applications.

Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)

• Weightage: Continuous Assessment 40% | End Semester Examinations 60%
• Internal methodology: Assignments (20%), Application-oriented problem solving (20%), Research Paper presentations (20%), Internal Examinations (40%)

Source: Official Anna University – B. Tech. Chemical and Electrochemical Engineering R-2025 Syllabus
Last Updated: October 2026