Using Python Simulations for Inquiry-Based Learning of Electrochemical Systems

Abstract

A recent NAS workshop highlighted the long-term opportunities associated with electrochemistry.1 In doing so, however, they noted the challenges associated with the education of students in this important area. For example, developing intuition is critical for engineers and scientists, yet novices have a poor feel for how electrochemical systems behave. While a conceptual understanding of isolated topics may be approached, learners struggle significantly when phenomena are coupled. A classic example of a topic with which students struggle is the interpretation of a cyclic voltammogram, where thermodynamics, kinetics, and transport phenomena interact to determine the shape of the curve. Similar coupled interactions are present in many electrochemical systems, and the simultaneous solution of multiple algebraic and differential equations is frequently needed. These solutions are fairly routine; yet, exploring them in an introductory course proves to be an obstacle.Here, we report on a series of electrochemical simulations developed with Python to help students improve their understanding of electrochemical systems, including coupled interactions. Python was chosen because it is open-source, with low barriers to entry. These simulations feature animation and extensive use of widgets that allow students to adjust parameters and immediately observe the result(s). No knowledge of programing is required. The codes are hosted at a GitHub site, and a typical page for a project is shown in the figure. https://github.com/TomFuller-electrochemistry/Python-Simulations-for-the-Education-of-Electrochemists-and- Electrochemical-Engineers These simulations have been piloted in the graduate electrochemical engineering course at Georgia Tech. They have been used to guide inquiry in an environment where students can ask questions, probe various situations, and conduct analyses. For each code, a set of complementary questions and exercises for students have been developed. Two examples are discussed in detail: cyclic voltammetry and shunt currents in bipolar stacks. Advances, Challenges, and Long-Term Opportunities of Electrochemistry: Addressing Societal Needs: Proceedings of a Workshop in Brief (2020), ISBN 978-0-309-67597-0 | DOI 10.17226/25760 Figure 1