AdvancedTopic 97 of 100Materials & Chemical
Electrochemical engineering
Batteries, fuel cells and electrolysis.
In depth
Electrochemical processes use redox reactions with electrodes: chlor-alkali, aluminium smelting (Hall-Héroult), electroplating, batteries, fuel cells, electrolysers. Faraday's law m=ItM/(zF); cell voltage = E° minus overpotentials and ohmic drops. Current efficiency and energy per kg are key metrics.
Key points
- Nernst equation
- Polarisation curves
- Membrane cells
ExampleProducing 1 kg of aluminium consumes about 13–15 kWh.
Electrochemical engineering converts energy between chemical and electrical forms, which is central to batteries, fuel cells and metal production.
What is Electrochemical engineering?
Batteries, fuel cells and electrolysis.
Why is it important to understand electrochemical engineering?
Electrochemical engineering converts energy between chemical and electrical forms, which is central to batteries, fuel cells and metal production.
What is an electrolysis cell?
A device where an external voltage drives a non-spontaneous reaction, such as splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen.
What is the difference between a battery and a fuel cell?
A battery stores energy in its materials and is recharged, while a fuel cell is fed fuel and oxidant continuously to produce electricity.
How is Electrochemical engineering used in practice?
Typical applications include designing a lithium-ion battery cell for an electric vehicle, producing chlorine and caustic soda by electrolysis of brine and building a fuel cell stack for backup power.
What should I learn before Electrochemical engineering?
Study "Polymer and petrochemical industries" first (topic 96 of 100 in Materials & Chemical). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of Electrochemical engineering?
Nernst equation. Polarisation curves. Membrane cells.
Can you give an example of Electrochemical engineering?
Producing 1 kg of aluminium consumes about 13–15 kWh.
What comes after Electrochemical engineering?
The next topic is "Green chemistry and sustainability", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is Electrochemical engineering?
It is classed as Advanced in Materials & Chemical (topic 97 of 100). It is an advanced topic. It assumes you are comfortable with the intermediate topics in Materials & Chemical.