Electrochemical engineering

Electrochemical engineering is the branch of engineering dealing with the technological applications of electrochemical phenomena, such as synthesis of chemicals, electrowinning and refining of metals, batteries and fuel cells, sensors, surface modification by electrodeposition and etching, separations, and corrosion. It is an overlap between electrochemistry and chemical engineering. One of the pioneers of this field of engineering was Charles Frederick Burgess.

More than 6% of the electrical energy is consumed by electrochemical operations in the USA.[1]

History

This branch of engineering emerged gradually from chemical engineering. The works of Wagner (1962) and Levich (1962) influenced the emergence of electrochemical engineering, because their work inspired so many others. Several individuals, including Tobias, Ibl, and Hine, established engineering training centers and, with their colleagues, developed important experimental and theoretical methods of study.

Scope

Electrochemical engineering combines the study of heterogeneous charge transfer at electrode/electrolyte interphases with the development of practical materials and processes. Fundamental considerations include electrode materials and the kinetics of redox species. The development of the technology involves the study of the electrochemical reactors, their potential and current distribution, mass transport conditions, hydrodynamics, geometry and components as well as the quantification of its overall performance in terms of reaction yield, conversion efficiency, and energy efficiency. Industrial developments require further reactor and process design, fabrication methods, testing and product development.

Applications

Electrochemical engineering finds applications in chemical synthesis, ion/organics removal, deposition of fils of metals and semiconductors, sensors and monitoring and energy storage and conversion.

See also

Bibliography

External links

References

  1. Bebelis, S.; Bouzek, K.; Cornell, A.; Ferreira, M.G.S.; Kelsall, G.H.; Lapicque, F.; Ponce de León, C.; Rodrigo, M.A.; Walsh, F.C. (October 2013). "Highlights during the development of electrochemical engineering". Chemical Engineering Research and Design. 91 (10): 1998–2020. doi:10.1016/j.cherd.2013.08.029.
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