Electrochemical Concepts Research Articles

Teaching Undergraduate Students Heterogeneous Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation Using Cyclic Voltammetry and Python Simulation

Undergraduate students are motivated and engaged to persist in STEM by learning skills to combat climate change and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) generation. Water electrolysis is not only an important process to produce the clean energy source hydrogen (H2), but also a classical reaction discussed in the undergraduate chemistry curriculum.In this talk, we will discuss our efforts of developing an upper division laboratory to teach undergraduate students basic concepts in electrochemistry via the heterogeneous anodic electrocatalytic water oxidation in water electrolysis.1Both experimental work and simulation practices with Python were implemented in this laboratory. Key concepts including chemical reversibility, electrochemical reversibility and kinetics of heterogeneous charge transfer were introduced to students in the learning outcomes. The integrated experience of mini lectures, hands-on experience of materials preparation and electrochemical characterizations along with the simulations helped enhance students’ learning. Additionally, the experience of using Python simulations motivates students to learn programming, which will help prepare them for the workforce and other STEM careers. Chem. Educ. 2023, 100, 8, 3036–3043

Diagnostic And Analysis Misconceptions In Learning Redox And Electrochemistry Topic In Chemistry Students

The research’s objective to know students misconceptions on redox and electrochemistry concept, the sources of students misconceptions, to avoid misconception by students worksheet. involved 30 students was studied general chemistry in chemistry department, Islamic State University of Syekh Ali Hasan Ahmad Addary Padangsidimpuan. Instrument of the research is diagnostic test with three tier question to know misconceptions on students, interview sheet to know sources of misconceptions. The result of research are (1) It was founded that students had misconceptions on redox and electrochemistry concept with percentage 52.6% .(2) It was founded 3 sources that affect students misconceptions on redox and electrochemistry, that are Students, have wrong interpreted from books and teacher, Internet that has many unbelievable sources, Friends that have wrong concept and sharing to other students.

Development of Interactive Multimedia Based on Android Integrated Problem Based Learning (PBL) to Improve Students’s Mastery of Concepts

The results of the pre-research concept mastery test showed students' low mastery of redox and electrochemical concepts. The aim of this research is to produce an Android-based interactive multimedia product integrated with PBL that is valid, practical and effective in the form of an APK. The research method is Development Research referring to the ADDIE development procedure. The research was conducted in the odd semester of 2022/2023. The research sample are 70 students of class XII MIPA SMA N 10 Pekanbaru. Data was collected through multiple choice tests, essays, questionnaires. The developed product was validated by 3 material experts, and 3 media experts. The practicality tes was carried out by 4 chemistry teachers, 11 students in the one to one and small group stages. The implementation test was carried out at SMA Negeri 10 Pekanbaru. The average validation results by material experts were 94.8% with very valid criteria and the average validation results by media experts were 95.8% (very valid). Practicality results for 4 chemistry teachers, it was 91.3 in the very practical category and 88.8% for 11 students in the very practical category. The n-gain test results showed an increase in concept mastery in the experimental class, namely 0.7 in the medium category and the control class with an n gain value of 0.3 (low). Based on the research results, it was concluded that the product that had been developed could increase students' mastery of concepts.

The Effect of Computer-Based Interactive Conceptual Change Texts on Eleventh Grade Students’ Understanding of Electrochemistry Concepts

<p style="text-align:justify">The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of conceptual change-oriented instruction accompanied by computer-based interactive conceptual change text (CBICCT) on 11th grade students understanding of electrochemistry. The study was conducted in a high school in Ankara with 66 students enrolled in two science classes. A quasi-experimental design was used. The classes were assigned to groups; one as a control group and the other as an experimental group. While the control group was given traditional instruction, the experimental group was given conceptual change-oriented instruction accompanied by CBICCT. The Electrochemistry Concept Test (ECT) was administered before and after treatment. To investigate possible covariates, the Science Process Skills Test (SPST) was administered after treatment. The gain scores of ECT were analyzed with two-way ANCOVA when SPST scores were controlled as covariates, and the results showed that the experimental group developed a significantly better understanding of concepts than the control group. The results also showed that there was no mean difference between males and females and no interaction effect between instruction method and gender.</p>

The Synthesis of FeS and Investigation on Electrochemical Sensing Toward Neuroprotector.

Background Electrochemical sensing is a versatile field that uses electrochemistry concepts to detect and measure various substances. It finds applications in clinical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. Scientists are currently working on creating reliable electrochemical sensing devices that can accurately detect ascorbic acid. Iron sulfide (FeS) has emerged as a promising material for these sensors due to its excellent electrical conductivity, catalytic activity, and stability. Materials and methods The FeS nanoparticles were synthesized through the hydrothermal method of synthesis. The glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with a surface area of 0.071 cm2was modified with FeS before the working electrode was mechanically polished with 1 µm, 0.3 µm, and 0.05 µm alumina pastes for mirror finishing. Then it was subjected to ultrasonication in double distilled water for a few minutes to clean the surface of GCE. The FeS suspension was prepared by dispersing 5 mg of FeS in 10 mL of ethanol during 20 minutes of ultrasonic agitation then the GCE was coated with 10 μL of the suspension by drop coating method and dried in air. Results In this study, FeS nanoparticles were synthesized by the hydrothermal method of synthesis, and it was tested for their electrochemical sensing properties by various tests. Based on the field emission-scanning electron microscope(FE-SEM) analysis, scan rate effect test, cyclic voltammetric test, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray(EDX) spectroscopy analysis done and results obtained, it was seen that the synthesized FeS nanoparticles are highly pure and have a crystalline structure. FeS has an even morphology. The synthesized particles also showed highly sensitive and specific sensing towardascorbic acid when compared to unmodified 10.1 µAelectrodes with a sensing value of 12.51μA, thereby fulfilling the aim of this study. Conclusion Based on the outcomes of the diverse tests carried out, it is evident that the sample displayed a high crystalline nature as indicated by the XRD test. Additionally, the sample exhibited a uniform morphology, exceptional stability, and remarkable sensitivity. The developed FeS-based electrochemical sensor was found to be exceptionally pure and showed excellent performance, showcasing both high sensitivity and selectivity towardascorbic acid.

Aggregation-Enabled Electrochemistry in Confined Nanopore Capable of Complementary Faradaic and Non-Faradaic Detection.

Electrochemistry that empowers innovative nanoscopic analysis has long been pursued. Here, the concept of aggregation-enabled electrochemistry (AEE) in a confined nanopore is proposed and devised by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive aggregation of CdS quantum dots (QDs) within a functional nanopipette. Complementary Faradaic and non-Faradaic operations of the CdS QDs aggregate could be conducted to simultaneously induce the signal-on of the photocurrents and the signal-off of the ionic signals. Such a rationale permits the cross-checking of the mutually corroborated signals and thus delivers more reliable results for single-cell ROS analysis. Combined with the rich biomatter-light interplay, the concept of AEE can be extended to other stimuli-responsive aggregations for electrochemical innovations.

Alternative Framework in Electrochemistry among Secondary Schools Students in Johor, Malaysia

The presence of an alternative framework in the students’ minds acts as the main hindrance to students exhibiting profound understanding of scientific concepts, which in turn promotes the application of scientific knowledge to solve daily life context problems. This research is done in two phases. In the first phase, the research aims to identify the alternative framework among students on the concept of electrochemistry, and in the second phase, it develops an instructional module for secondary school students on the concept of electrochemistry by using the five-phase Needham constructivism model approach to overcome the alternative framework that exists in the students’ minds. In this paper, however, only the findings of the first phase are reported. The instrument used for this study is the electrochemistry test developed based on previous research and validated by experts. This paper and pencil test is used in the first phase of the research as a data collection tool. This research adapted a quantitative research design. The data from the electrochemistry test is analyzed using statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) 20.0 to get the descriptive data as findings of the first phase of the study. The findings of the first phase of this study indicate that the conceptualization level of students in electrochemistry is poor. Multiple alternative frameworks among students were identified from the analysis of the students’ responses. This study contributed to existing literature by identifying the alternative frameworks present precisely in electrochemistry. The study recommends incorporating mobile technologies in the data collection process and in developing online instructional modules to be more accessible to educators throughout the country and to steer the chemistry education world to a higher level in the Malaysian education system. Enlightening the alternative framework existent in the students’ knowledge schemata immensely facilitates educators worldwide in planning their instructional approach in the classroom for this specific scientific concept.

Exploring senior high-school students’ understanding of electrochemical concepts: patterns of thinking across Turkish and Indonesian contexts

This study focuses on examining senior high-school students’ conceptual understanding and difficulties concerning electrochemistry and comparing patterns of thinking across Turkish and Indonesian contexts. The Electrochemistry Concept Questionnaire (ECQ) was applied to 516 Indonesian and 516 Turkish high school students right after the teaching of the electrochemistry topics. The ECQ contains 18 multiple-choice questions and these questions belong to five different categories: reactions occurring during electrolysis, differences between electrolytic and voltaic cells, movement of ions in voltaic cells, poles in voltaic cells, and voltaic cell reactions. At the end of the study, it was determined that both Indonesian and Turkish senior high-school students’ understanding of electrochemistry concepts was relatively weak and they shared common difficulties concerning electrochemical concepts. While there was no significant difference between the average scores of the students from both countries on the test, it was determined that there were some significant differences on the basis of questions. It has been concluded that students from both countries have alternative conceptions similar to those determined in previous studies such as “during electrolysis, the electric current produces ions” and “electrons migrate through the solution from one electrode to the other”. At the end of the study, the reasons for the similar results and the significantly different results for the students of the two countries to comprehend electro-concepts were discussed.

Wireless Magnetoelectrochemical Induction of Rotational Motion.

Electromagnetically induced rotation is a key process of many technological systems that are used in daily life, especially for energy conversion. In this context, the Lorentz force-induced deviation of charges is a crucial physical phenomenon to generate rotation. Herein, they combine the latter with the concept of bipolar electrochemistry to design a wireless magnetoelectrochemical rotor. Such a device can be considered as a wet analog of a conventional electric motor. The main driving force that propels this actuator is the result of the synergy between the charge-compensating ion flux along a bipolar electrode and an external magnetic field applied orthogonally to the surface of the object. The trajectory of the wirelessly polarized rotor can be controlled by the orientation of the magnetic field relative to the direction of the global electric field, producing a predictable clockwise or anticlockwise motion. Fine-tuning of the applied electric field allows for addressing conducting objects having variable characteristic lengths.

Electrolytic production of aluminium as a case study for linking engineering and fundamental concepts in industrial electrochemistry

Electrolytic production of aluminium as a case study for linking engineering and fundamental concepts in industrial electrochemistry

Electrochemistry education in the twenty-first century: the current landscape in the UK, challenges and opportunities

Electrochemistry education of future researchers is crucial if we are to decarbonise economies and reach targets for net zero, and this arguably begins with education in electrochemistry within undergraduate degrees. This paper reviews the teaching of electrochemistry in UK universities at the undergraduate degree level. We review where and how electrochemical concepts are introduced into chemistry, chemical engineering and materials science programmes. We provide some motivation for this review, which was stimulated by discussions from a workshop on the ‘Future of Fundamental Electrochemistry Research in the UK’, held in 2022. We summarise briefly how consensus on UK degree programme course content has been reached and inconsistencies that remain. Electrochemistry curriculum content from a convenience sample of UK universities, and disciplines, has been collected and is summarised, with a reflection on some trends. Finally, we present some implications for policy. A roadmap is suggested to ensure that the teaching of electrochemical fundamentals is addressed in the curriculum at an appropriate level to underpin the many technically relevant applications of electrochemistry that graduates will encounter in their further education or employment.

Role of concept map format and student interest on introductory electrochemistry learning

AbstractElectrochemistry, a key topic in introductory chemistry, is a topic that many students struggle with conceptually. Visual learning tools like concept maps allow the externalization of key concepts and the relationships between these concepts may aid in students' acquisition and retention of newly learned electrochemistry concepts. Partnering with a general chemistry instructor, this study explored the effectiveness of two concept map formats—fill‐in‐the‐concepts and student‐corrected maps, on electrochemistry outcomes with undergraduate general chemistry students. To examine students' engagement with these maps, we also explored the role of students' interest. Results indicated that prior knowledge and map condition were significant predictors of students' electrochemistry performance. Specifically, the fill‐in‐the‐concepts condition resulted in better learning outcomes than the map correction condition. Furthermore, students with a higher interest in electrochemistry were more likely to perform well on their respective concept mapping activities, thus, scoring higher on the posttest. These findings suggested that concept maps can effectively represent key concepts of a challenging topic, and are beneficial for students' learning and retention of information. Importantly, instructors may further support learning by providing scaffolds in the form of fill‐in‐the‐concept maps to help students better organize their mental structures and identify misconceptions.

Wireless Electrochemical Reactor for Accelerated Exploratory Study of Electroorganic Synthesis.

Electrosynthesis is an emerging tool to construct value-added fine chemicals under mild and sustainable conditions. However, the complex apparatus required impedes the facile development of new electrochemistry in the laboratory. Herein, we proposed and demonstrated the concept of wireless electrochemistry (Wi-eChem) based on wireless power transfer technology. The core of this concept is the dual-function wireless electrochemical magnetic stirrer that provides an electrolysis driving force and mixing simultaneously in a miniaturized form factor. This Wi-eChem system allowed electrochemists to execute electrochemical reactions in a manner similar to traditional organic chemistry without handling wire connections. The controllability, reusability, and versatility were validated with a series of modern electrosynthesis reactions, including electrodecarboxylative etherification, electroreductive olefin-ketone coupling, and electrochemical nickel-catalyzed oxygen atom transfer reaction. Its remarkably simplified operation enabled its facile integration into a fully automated robotic synthesis platform to achieve autonomous parallel electrosynthesis screening.

(Invited) Conceptual Learning of Mechanistic and Synthetic Applications of Electrochemistry

Electroorganic chemistry is a multidisciplinary science that bridges the fields of electroanalytical chemistry, material science, and organic chemistry. From a synthetic perspective, its principal aim is to provide an environmentally benign alternative to classic organic synthesis by avoiding wasteful reagents. Controlling the electrochemical parameters, current and potential, allows access to mild reaction conditions as well as highly reactive intermediates and reagents. Moreover, the current flowing through the electrode surface is an easy-to-gauge quantity that offers a unique mechanistic tool for the study of the redox reactions and their coupled chemical reactions. Electroanalytical techniques provide unique mechanistic tools to synthetic chemists for studying reactions involving redox active species. The field has experienced a recent surge among the chemists, however, many of the students and professionals are not trained in electrochemistry and are unfamiliar with these tools and the valuable information they can provide. In this talk, I will present a narrative of our recent progress and attempts on designing laboratory experiments and activities for teaching the concepts of organic electrochemistry. The works will be presented include the following subjects.a) Visualizing the diffusion layer and electrode reaction using electricity driven color change reactions under optical microscope. This work allowed to observe the effect of electrochemical reactions at the electrode surface, measure the thickness of diffusion layer, and demonstrate its correlation with Cottrell equation.b) Conceptual presentation of scan rate dependence of voltammetric currents. The aim of this simulation and activity was convoluting the current−time profiles of cyclic voltammetry, aided in visualization of the changes in concentration profiles and concentration gradients of electroactive compounds at the electrode surface by changing the scan rate of voltammetric experiments. This activity aided students in understanding the scan rate dependence of voltammetric current.1 c) Deriving the Turnover Frequency of electrocatalytic reactions by Chronoamperometry. A laboratory experiment was developed to provide students with an example of how electroanalytical techniques, herein chronoamperometry, can be used for quantitative analysis of a catalytic reaction and for the derivation of the turnover frequency (TOF).2 d) A laboratory experiment on exploring electrosynthesis showcasing electrochemical methoxylation of carbamates. This laboratory experiment deals with voltammetric analysis and constant current bulk electrolysis reaction. The exercise lays a practical and theoretical foundation for electrosynthetic reaction and reaction analysis by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for further connection to organic chemistry skills.3 Khalafi, L.; Cunningham, A. M.; Hoober-Burkhardt, L. E.; Rafiee, M. Why Is Voltammetric Current Scan Rate Dependent? Representation of a Mathematically Dense Concept Using Conceptual Thinking. Chem. Educ. 2021, 98, 3957–3961.Goes, S. L.; Mayer, M. N.; Nutting, J. E.; Hoober-Burkhardt, L. E.; Stahl, S. S.; Rafiee, M. Deriving the Turnover Frequency of Aminoxyl-Catalyzed Alcohol Oxidation by Chronoamperometry: An Introduction to Organic Electrocatalysis. Chem. Educ. 2021, 98, 600–606.Goes, S. L.; Nutting, J. E.; Hill, N. J.; Stahl, S. S.; Rafiee, Exploring Electrosynthesis: Bulk Electrolysis and Cyclic Voltammetry Analysis of the Shono Oxidation. Chem. Educ. 2022, 99, 3242-3248.

Electrochemical Concepts in Tribology and Material Processing

Electrochemical Concepts in Tribology and Material Processing

"Nano Lab" Advanced Characterization Platform for Studying Electrocatalytic Iridium Nanoparticles Dispersed on TiOxNy Supports Prepared on Ti Transmission Electron Microscopy Grids.

Aiming at speeding up the discovery and understanding of promising electrocatalysts, a novel experimental platform, i.e., the Nano Lab, is introduced. It is based on state-of-the-art physicochemical characterization and atomic-scale tracking of individual synthesis steps as well as subsequent electrochemical treatments targeting nanostructured composites. This is provided by having the entire experimental setup on a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) grid. Herein, the oxygen evolution reaction nanocomposite electrocatalyst, i.e., iridium nanoparticles dispersed on a high-surface-area TiOxNy support prepared on the Ti TEM grid, is investigated. By combining electrochemical concepts such as anodic oxidation of TEM grids, floating electrode-based electrochemical characterization, and identical location TEM analysis, relevant information from the entire composite's cycle, i.e., from the initial synthesis step to electrochemical operation, can be studied. We reveal that Ir nanoparticles as well as the TiOxNy support undergo dynamic changes during all steps. The most interesting findings made possible by the Nano Lab concept are the formation of Ir single atoms and only a small decrease in the N/O ratio of the TiOxNy-Ir catalyst during the electrochemical treatment. In this way, we show that the precise influence of the nanoscale structure, composition, morphology, and electrocatalyst's locally resolved surface sites can be deciphered on the atomic level. Furthermore, the Nano Lab's experimental setup is compatible with ex situ characterization and other analytical methods, such as Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and identical location scanning electron microscopy, hence providing a comprehensive understanding of structural changes and their effects. Overall, an experimental toolbox for the systematic development of supported electrocatalysts is now at hand.

Electric double layer of Pt(111): Known unknowns and unknown knowns

The electric double layer is one of the most fundamental concepts in electrochemistry. Nevertheless, its exact structure is still often unresolved. In this contribution, we discuss what we, at present, believe to know and what we believe not to know about the structure of the Pt(111) double layer close to the potential of zero charge. To this end, we discuss and compare several models put forward in the last few years in order to explain recent (and less recent) experimental observations. Through a discussion of several models, we conclude that water adsorption at the interface likely plays an important role in correctly interpreting capacitance features observed close to the potential of zero charge (pzc). The capacitance features at low electrolyte concentration, which show important deviations from Gouy-Chapman diffuse layer theory, are, to date, not yet resolved beyond doubt, but we critically analyze and compare the various models that have been put forward to model the interface. We thereby point out weaknesses in the models as well as similarities and differences between the models.

Understanding Ion Charging Dynamics in Nanoporous Carbons for Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitor Applications

The electric double layer (EDL) is one of the key concepts in electrochemistry, and understanding its charging kinetics is of key importance. Significant progress has been made via theoretical methods; however, it is challenging to study the ion dynamics experimentally in porous carbon electrodes under realistic conditions because of fast charge relaxation. In this work, the charging kinetics of porous carbon electrodes with different pore sizes in an aqueous electrolyte was experimentally investigated in electrolytes with various concentrations by using a cavity microelectrode. We were able to observe electrolyte depletion, and we systematically studied the key parameters that will affect the electrolyte depletion, resulting in major changes in the charging kinetics. Results showed that low concentration, high overpotential, and small carbon pore size triggered the electrolyte depletion, decreasing the charging kinetics. These findings further push our understanding of the ion dynamics of the EDL at the charged porous carbon/electrolyte interface.

Benefits of electrochemistry studies for the majority of students who will not become electrochemists

In teaching electrochemistry, it is of primary importance to make students always aware of the relations between electrochemistry and all the non-electrochemical topics, which are taught. The vast majority of students will not specialise in electrochemistry, but they all can very much benefit from the basics and concepts of electrochemistry. This paper is aimed to give suggestions how the teaching of electrochemistry can easily be interrelated to topics of inorganic, organic, analytical, environmental chemistry, biochemistry and biotechnology.

Wireless Electronic Light Emission: An Introduction to Bipolar Electrochemistry

Electrochemistry is taught in most undergraduate chemistry programs. Although this topic is important for students due to its broad interest in industry (energy, diagnostics, car industry, etc.), they often find it difficult, because it is based on a combination of various physical concepts such as electric fields, interfacial processes or charge and mass transport. Among electrochemical concepts, bipolar electrochemistry is of special interest and might be easier to teach due to a very simple general setup. In this case, an oxidation reaction and a reduction reaction occur at the two ends of a single conductive object exposed to an electric field in solution. Such an object is therefore called a bipolar electrode. The nature of the electrochemical reactions and their amplitude can be tuned by playing with the electric field. The fundamental concepts of bipolar electrochemistry are introduced here with a series of basic experiments designed to be carried out in a standard teaching laboratory. These simple and affordable experiments illustrate the key-parameters driving electrochemical reactions at a bipolar electrode. Their influence can be readily visualized using a cheap, commercially available light emitting diode (LED) acting as the bipolar electrode, which illuminates when the current generated by the electrochemical reactions flows through it. The concept of bipolar electrochemistry with eye-catching experiments enables a good introduction to general electrochemistry. It points out the importance of fundamental aspects such as the electric field or the necessity of an electrolyte and a counter-reaction.