Discover the principles of electrochemistry with a particular focus on redox behavior of transition metal complexes including metalloproteins. Review the application of transition metal complexes as catalysts for renewable energy storage and production, including metal-catalyzed water oxidation, proton reduction and CO2 reduction processes. Learn to perform cyclic and pulsed voltammetry, electrolysis, and spectroelectrochemistry in the laboratory. Course evaluation will be done based on weekly lab reports and homework, class presentation and final exam.
Basic aspects of electrochemistry
Electrochemical instrumentation
Cyclic voltammetry: Reversible, irreversible and quasireversible processes
Cyclic voltammetry: Effect of coupled chemical reactions; Digital simulation of cyclic voltammograms.
Bulk electrolysis and pulsed voltammetric techniques
Hydrodynamic techniques: application for studying reaction intermediates and mechanisms.
Electrochemical behavior of transition metal complexes.
Redox-active metalloproteins.
Redox-induced structural reorganization of metal complexes
Electrocatalysis by transition metals for renewable energy production and storage: water splitting to O2 and H2
Transition metal-catalyzed electroreduction of CO2 and dehydrogenation of formic acid and alcohols: application for hydrogen storage.
Immobilization of metal catalysts on electrode surface.
Photoelectrochemistry
Application of electrochemical processes in chemical industry.
25%; Homework: 25%; Presentation: 25%; Final exam: 25%
“Inorganic Electrochemistry: Theory, Practice and Application”, Pierro Zanello (2003), RSC.