Course aims:

Acquiring and understanding the basic concepts of electrochemistry in order to apply them for solving environmental issues.
Acquiring theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to investigate metal corrosion phenomena and to identify technological measures to prevent the corrosion.
Developing the students’ scientific thinking and cognitive skills in order to find correct solution to specific problems related to environmental engineering.

Course Entry Requirements:

Chemistry, Physics

Course contents:

1 Introduction to electrochemistry. Electrochemical Thermodynamics. Interactions in electrolyte solutions: Theory of electrolytic dissociation. 2. Transport of ions in electrolyte solutions: diffusion of ions. Conductance of electrolyte solutions. Transport numbers and ionic motilities. 3-4. Electrodes and primary cells: Electrode Potential. Nernst equation. Types of electrodes. Primary cells. Applications of EMF measurements. 5. Applications of electrode reactions. Electrochemical energy conversion. 6. Electrochemical methods. Polarography. Stripping voltammetry. Applications in environmental analysis 7. Electrolysis. The laws of electrolysis. Applications 8-9. Theoretical basis of corrosion. Phenomenology of corrosion. Electrochemical corrosion theory. Thermodynamics of corrosion phenomenon. Kinetics of corrosion 10. Passivation of metals. Methods for tracking and evaluating metal corrosion. Corrosion protection methods. Cathodic and anodic protection 11. Corrosion protection of industrial installations. Corrosion impact on the environment. Treatment of electroplating stations 12. Environmental implications in electrochemistry. Electrochemical remediation methods used in the environmental protection 13-14. Electrochemical sensors used in the environmental monitoring LAB WORKS AND SEMINARS 1. Laboratory safety rules. Influence of concentration on the conductance of electrolyte solutions. Problems 2. Determining the standard potential of the electrode. Problems 3. Ion-selective electrodes. Determination of Cd2+ ions from wastewaters using a Cd-sensitive ion selective electrode 4. Daniell cell. Electromotive force. Problems 5. Determining the corrosion potential and corrosion rate of aluminum and steel 6. Determing the Cu2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ from wastewater samples by stripping voltammetry. 7. Presenting reports. Assessment of the laboratory knowledges.

Teaching methods:

Lecture, conversation, exemplification, practical works/projects

Learning outcomes:

1. Assessment of the environmental degradation; - Understanding the basic concepts of interdependence between the pollution factors and their direct effects on the environment - Identifying interdependence between the pollution factors and their direct effects on the environment - Evaluation the environmental monitoring programs 2. Identification and compliance with professional ethics and deontology, taking responsibility for decisions and risks 3. Identify roles and responsibilities in a multidisciplinary team and application the techniques and effective work relationships within the team.

Learning outcomes verification and assessment criteria:

A one-hour written examination (60% of the final grade). The examination of the practical abilities acquired during the practical works/projects (40% of the final grade).

Recommended reading:

C. Brett, A.M. Oliveira Brett,, Electrochemistry. Principles, methods and applications, Oxford Science Publications,, Oxford, 2003,
A. J. Bard, L. R. Faulkner, Electrochemical Methods: Fundamentals and Applications, 2nd edition, Wiley, -, 2007,
C. Lefrou, P. Fabry, Electrochemistry: The Basics, with Examples, Springer, -, 2012,