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Cell Potential
At open circuit, no current flows between the electrodes. Furthermore, for our thermodynamic analysis, each electrode half-cell reaction is at equilibrium (no net anodic or cathodic reaction occurs at either electrode). Under these conditions, it is appropriate to write the half-cell reactions as reversible reactions. Since electrons are participants in each of the two reactions, the…
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Electrochemical Reactions
An electrochemical reaction is a reaction where the transfer of electrons from a species being oxidized to a species undergoing reduction takes place through an electronic conductor. Typically, that conductor is a metal. Because the electron transfer takes place through a conductor rather than directly between the reacting species, we can separate the two electron-transfer…
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Electrochemical Systems: Example
We end this chapter with an example of an industrial electrolytic process—chlorine production by the chlor-alkali route. Our objectives in this section are twofold. First, to review principles and terminology within the context of an important electrochemical system. Second, to introduce the concept of the current–voltage relationship, also called the I–V curve. The connection between current and voltage is essential…
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Potential and OHM’S
Another important quantity in the study of electrochemical systems is the potential. We can define an electrostatic potential, ϕ, in terms of the work required to move a unit (positive) charge from infinity to a specific position in the metal or in solution. This work can also be thought of in terms of energy. The unit…
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Current Density
To this point in the chapter, we have considered the total current, I. However, as you know from your experience, some electrochemical devices are small like a hearing aid battery. Others are significantly larger, such as the battery used to start your car. You would not expect the total current from these devices to be similar.…
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Faradaic Efficiency
The electrochemical reactions that we have been discussing are called faradaic reactions since they involve electron transfer that is directly related to the consumption of reactants and the formation of products as described by Faraday’s law. To this point, we have only considered one reaction at each electrode. However, it is possible, and in fact common, for…
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Faraday’s Law
In this section, we examine Faraday’s law, which is the relationship between the amount of current that flows through the external circuit and the amount of material that is either consumed or produced in a half-cell reaction. To explore how this works, let’s return once again to the zinc reaction: (1.6) From the half-cell equation,…
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Scientific Units, Constants, Conventions
There are seven base units within the International System of Units (SI system), as shown in Table 1.1 for quick reference. Except for luminous intensity, all of the quantities are used extensively in this text. Among the base units is electric current, I, which is critical for the examination of electrochemical systems. Electric current is measured in amperes…
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Importance of Electrochemical Systems
Electrochemical systems are not only essential for our society but are also common in everyday life. Imagine a world without batteries to power your personal electronic devices. How would travel change without low-cost aluminum that is essential for aircraft? What if corrosion of the steel in bridges, the hulls of ships, superstructures of buildings, and…
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Characteristics of Electrochemical Reactions
Electrochemical reactions are reactions where electrons are transferred through a conductor from the species being oxidized to that being reduced. Most of the unique and important properties of electrochemical reactions are the result of the way that these electrons are transferred. These characteristics include the following: This textbook will help you to understand and to use…