Basic knowledge of physics and chemistry.

The course aims to provide the students with fundamental knowledge and understanding in electrochemical energy conversion and storage. Electrochemical, technological and metallurgical aspects of batteries and fuel cells devices are emphasized through theoretical lessons and numerical as well as experimental practice.

Knowledge and understanding

The course provides the basic concepts of electrochemical processes applied to energy conversion and storage systems

by focusing the attention on the performance, application, material science, and corrosion aspects of the batteries and fuel cell devices.

Applying knowledge and understanding

After the course, the student will acquire a basic knowledge of the principal topics of electrochemical charge storage and energy conversion. The student will learn theoretical and technological aspects of batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitor devices. The student will also understand metallurgical and environmental aspects of batteries and fuel cells finalized to prevent degradation and promote eco-friendly systems and recycle processes of wastes.

Making judgments                                                    

Students will acquire the ability to critically discuss the principal problems related to batteries and fuel cell and to propose solution to material choices, corrosion phenomena and stability issues by using basic electrochemical and metallurgical notions.

Communication

The students will be able to communicate the scientific knowledge and methodological tools acquired in the course with a varied and composite audience in a clear and technical way. The student will sustain conversations on electrochemical energy conversion themes by evidencing vantages and disadvantages if compared with other energy conversion methods. The ability to use a technical language will be improved during the laboratory practice, where the students will be called to propose solutions to the investigated systems.

Learning skills

The student will acquire basic concepts of applied electrochemistry that will guide him/her to a critical assessment of the positive and negative aspects of a novel energy storage or conversion system and to the project of possible solutions. These skills will be enhanced thanks to a long and focused laboratory practice.

The course consists of frontal lessons, numerical and experimental exercises. Class contents will be given on the board or presented with the aid of Power Point Slides. Interactions with students will be stimulated during lessons in order to keep high the attention and comprehension of the contents.

Exams will be composed of an oral discussion of the theoretical part of the course (6 credits) and a written report on the experimental activity (3 credits).

The oral discussion will relate on four topics:

1) Hydrogen production, storage and utilization.

2) Electrochemical energy storage and conversion (theoretical aspects).

3) Fuel cells. Electrolysers. Power to Hydrogen systems. 

4) Recycling of spent batteries and synthesis of new functional materials from wastes.

With the aim to verify to what extent the student has acquired the aptitude to manage electrochemical theoretical aspect of batteries/fuel cells systems and to apply them to the design and problem solving activities characteristic of these devices.

The written report on the experimental activity will be evaluated by taking into account the level of the scientific discussion, the correctness of the technical language and the completeness/precision of the overall document. 

Theoretical lessons

1) Introduction to Hydrogen Economics. Hydrogen production methodologies. Hydrogen storage methods.

2) Electrochemical energy storage and conversion: introduction, electrochemical fundamental aspects and state of the art.

3) Fuel cells. Electrolysers. Power to Hydrogen systems. Processes and materials (in particular nanomaterials for electrocatalysis and/or hydrogen storage) for electrochemical hydrogen production and storage.

4) Technologies for the recycling of spent battery active materials. The synthesis of new functional materials from wastes to be used in batteries, fuel cells and sustainable electrolyzers.

Laboratory Practice 

Electrochemical Methods - Fundamentals and Applications, A. J. Bard, L. R. Faulkner, Wiley (II edition), 2001

Modern Electrochemistry 2B, 2nd edition J. O'M. Bockris e A.K.N. Reddy Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers NY (2000)

Pietro Pedeferri, Corrosione e protezione dei materiali metallici. Vol. I e Vol. II, polipress, 2007, Milano Italia

Papers and reviews provided during the course.