2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses School of Materials and Chemical Technology Department of Materials Science and Engineering Graduate major in Materials Science and Engineering
Electrochemical Methods: Fundamentals and Applications
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Materials Science and Engineering
- Instructor(s)
- Chun-Yi Chen
- Class Format
- Lecture (Livestream)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 7-8 Fri (G1-102(G111))
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- MAT.C514
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 2Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 5, 2026
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
The objective of this course is to provide students with a systematic and rigorous understanding of the fundamental principles of electrochemistry and their practical applications. Emphasis is placed on essential concepts such as charge transfer, mass transport, and interfacial reactions, as well as their relationships with thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and photochemistry.
The course further introduces theoretical frameworks and analytical methodologies relevant to energy conversion and storage materials. Measurement and characterization techniques, such as voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are discussed in the context of energy storage devices, including batteries and supercapacitors, as well as photoelectrochemical systems.Through these topics, students will develop the ability to quantitatively and theoretically analyze electrochemical phenomena, design appropriate experiments, interpret experimental data, and systematically understand electrochemistry from fundamental principles to advanced applications.
Course description and aims
Upon completion of this course, students will gain a fundamental understanding of electrochemistry, including the principles of charge transfer and the materials and measurement methods governing electrochemical and photoelectrochemical reactions. They will be able to apply these concepts to technologies such as batteries, energy storage systems, electroplating, and anodization, and to utilize this knowledge for applications in material science and chemical engineering.
Keywords
Electrochemistry, Thermodynamics, Standard Electrode Potential, Mass Transport, Voltammetry, Electrochemical Interfaces, Electrodeposition, Anodization, Electrolytes, Energy Storage Devices, Photoelectrochemistry
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
The course will be conducted primarily through lectures, with exercises or short reports assigned as needed to deepen understanding. Attendance will be taken at every class.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction of electrochemistry |
Fundamental Concepts of Electrochemistry |
| Class 2 | Electrochemical Thermodynamics and Reaction Kinetics |
The Nernst Equation, Electrode Potential, and the Butler–Volmer Equation |
| Class 3 | Mass Transport in Electrochemistry |
Understanding Mass Transport in Electrochemistry Based on Migration, Diffusion, and Fick’s Laws |
| Class 4 | Current Control and Potential Control |
Chronopotentiometry, Linear Sweep Voltammetry, and Cyclic Voltammetry |
| Class 5 | Electrodeposition and Anodization |
Electroplating, Electroless Plating, and Anodization |
| Class 6 | Photoelectrochemistry |
Basic Principles of Photoelectrochemistry and Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting |
| Class 7 | Electrochemical Devices |
Primary Batteries, Secondary Batteries, Fuel Cells, Supercapacitors, and Electrolysis |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
No textbook will be used
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Electrochemical Methods: Fundamentals and Applications by Allen J. Bard, Larry R. Faulkner
Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting: Standards, Experimental Methods, and Protocols by Zhebo Chen, Huyen N. Dinh, Eric Miller
Evaluation methods and criteria
Attendance: 49% (7% × 7 classes)
Quiz/Assignment: 41%
Class Engagement: 10%
Related courses
- MAT.C312 ： Electrochemistry (Ceramics course)
Prerequisites
None