Advanced Physical Chemistry | CHEM3039 | University of Southampton

Module overview

The course deals with the nature of surfaces, both real and ideal, the energetics of adsorption at surfaces and adsorption isotherms, and the charge distribution at the liquid/solid interface. The kinetics of reactions at interfaces, including the role of mass transport and applied potential on the overall kinetics are discussed. The role of microscopic structure of the interface in determining the rates of heterogeneous catalysts is discussed along with spectroscopic and scanning probe techniques for the characterisation of gas/solid and liquid/solid interfaces on the molecular scale. Examples of applications to fuel cells, energy storage and conversion and heterogeneous catalysis are discussed in detail.

Linked modules

Pre-requisites: CHEM2027 AND CHEM2033

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Develop an awareness of issues within chemistry that overlap with other related subjects including environmental impact, sustainability and climate change, in the context electrochemical energy conversion and storage
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of fundamental physicochemical principles with the ability to apply that knowledge to the solution of theoretical problems related to chemistry at interfaces
Be fully conversant with major aspects of chemical terminology related to electrode kinetics, heterogenous catalysis and surface science, and reactions at interfaces
Read and engage with scientific literature

Syllabus

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Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, workshops

Study time
Type	Hours
Follow-up work	25
Wider reading or practice	50
Revision	15
Preparation for scheduled sessions	30
Lecture	30
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

P. H. Rieger. Electrochemistry. Chapman & Hall.

Southampton Electrochemistry Group. Instrumental Methods in Electrochemistry. Ellis Horwood.

D. Pletcher. A First Course in Electrode Processes. RSC.

C. M. A. Brett and A. M. Oliveira Brett. Electrochemistry. Principles and Applications. OUP.

Attard and Barnes. Surfaces. OUP.

J. O’M. Bockris and A. K. N. Reddy. Modern Electrochemistry. Plenum.

A. C. Fisher. Electrode Dynamics. OUP Chemistry Primers.

Assessment

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Final Assessment	100%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Final Assessment	100%