D1) Knowledge and understanding: at the end of the course, the student will learn and understand the thermodynamic and kinetic fundamentals of the electrode processes. Furthermore, the student will have a good understanding of the electrochemical phenomena and of the fundamental equations discussed in the course. The student will learn the fundamental aspects of the main electrochemical techniques discussed in the course (especially the voltammetric ones) and will be capable to apply them to the study of redox processes and homogeneous chemical reactions coupled to electrode processes. Moreover, the student will have a good knowledge of the fundamental principles of homogeneous molecular electrocatalysis and will be able to use cyclic voltammetry to investigate molecular electrocatalytic processes. The student will be able to describe the main strategies for the immobilization of molecular systems on electrode surfaces.
D2) Ability to apply knowledge and
understanding: the student will be able to apply the main electrochemical techniques developed in the course to the investigation of redox and molecular electrocatalytic processes. Moreover, the student will be able to solve exercises and problems related to the subjects discussed in the course.
D3) Autonomy of judgment: at the end of the course, the student will be able to independently rationalize the properties of the electrode-solution interfaces as well as the fundamental aspects of electrochemical and electrocatalytic processes.
D4) Communication skills: at the end of the course, the student will be able to present on a scientific discussion related to the main concepts of the course (summarized in section D1) in a clear and rational way, providing logical connections among the different parts of the course.
D5) Learning skills: the student will gain the tools necessary to independently interpret and master the main subjects discussed in the course, also through the reading and comprehension of scientific textbooks and articles published on peer-reviewed journals.

General Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry

Introduction to fundamental concepts of electrochemistry
Potentials and thermodynamics of electrochemical cells
Properties of the electrochemical interfaces
Electrical double-layer structure
Kinetics of electrode reactions
Marcus theory for electron transfer
Mass transport and diffusion laws
Effect of mass transport on current-potential curves
Introduction to voltammetric techniques Cyclic voltammetry
Electrochemical reversibility
Homogeneous chemical reactions coupled to electrode processes
Homogeneous molecular electrocatalysis
Immobilization of molecular systems on electrode surfaces

Practical laboratory: 3-4 experiences based on the main electrochemical techniques discussed in the course (e.g. cyclic voltammetry)

A. J. Bard, L. R. Faulkner, "Electrochemical Methods. Fundamentals and Applications", Wiley, 2001

Slides used during the lectures will be provided on the Moodle platform. Some scientific articles will be also available on Moodle for those students who wish to explore specific topics in more detail.

Introduction to the course. Concepts of current and potential. Basic equipment for electrochemical experiments: electrodes, electrolyte, electrochemical cells. Measurability of potentials. Thermodynamics of electrochemical cells. The electrode potential and Nernst equation. Structure and properties of the electrode-solution interfaces. Gibbs adsorption isotherm. Electrocapillary equation. Differential capacitance. Models for the electrical double layer: Helmholtz, Gouy-Chapman and Gouy-Chapman-Stern. Specific adsorption.
Kinetics of electrode reactions. Butler-Volmer equation. Exchange current. Current-overpotential curves. Tafel diagrams. Inner-sphere and outer-sphere electron-transfer reactions. Marcus model for electron transfer. Reorganization energy. Normal and inverted Marcus regions.
Mass transport modes. Diffusion and Fick’s laws. Concentration profiles. Cottrell equation. Effect of mass transport on current-potential curves.
Voltammetric techniques. Cyclic voltammetry and its use for the investigation of redox processes. Cyclic voltammetry of electrochemically reversible, quasi-reversible and irreversible processes: voltammetric responses and diagnostic criteria. Randles-Sevcik equation. Homogeneous chemical reactions coupled to electrode process: fundamental classification and main reaction schemes. EC mechanism: voltammetric responses and diagnostic criteria. Case studies of EC mechanisms involving coordination complexes.
Fundamentals of homogeneous molecular electrocatalysis (EC’ mechanism). Ideal voltammetric response (sigmoidal) and extraction of kinetic parameters. Side-phenomena causing non-ideal catalytic voltammetric responses. Examples and case studies of molecular electrocatalytic processes for small molecules activation (e.g. H2 production, CO2 reduction).
Immobilization of molecular systems at the electrode surface. Electrochemical properties of electrode surface-immobilized molecular systems. Strategies and materials for electrode functionalization.

Classroom teaching.
The laboratory consists of 3-4 laboratory experiments aimed at showing the practical aspects of some subjects discussed during the course. The students will prepare an experimental report regarding the activities performed in the laboratory practices.

Any changes which may become necessary to ensure the application of safety protocols related to the COVID19 emergency, will be communicated on the Department's and Degree Course websites and Lecture course Moodle page.

All the slides showed during the lectures are available on Moodle.
For the laboratory part, the detailed description of each experiment is also provided through the Moodle platform.

Experimental report regarding the activities performed in the laboratory classes.
Oral examination (with a final mark given in n/30), consisting in at least 3-4 questions on the main topics of the course. The exam may also include the critical description and discussion of a practical laboratory experience analyzed during the course.
During the oral examination, the student is expected to show a good general knowledge and understanding of the topics developed in the course.

Goal n. 7 – Clean and accessible energy