529-0507-00L  Hands-on Electrochemistry for Energy Storage and Conversion Applications

SemesterSpring Semester 2021
LecturersL. Gubler, E. Fabbri, J. Herranz Salañer, S. Trabesinger
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish
CommentPrerequisites: previous attendance of at least one of the following courses is mandatory:
- 529-0659-00L Electrochemistry: Fundamentals, Cells & Applications
- 529-0440-00L Physical Electrochemistry and Electrocatalysis
- 529-0191-01L Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage Technologies


AbstractThe course will provide the students with hands-on laboratory experience in the field of electrochemistry, specifically within the context of energy related applications (i.e., Li-ion and redox flow batteries, fuel cells and electrolyzers).
ObjectiveSolidify the students’ theoretical knowledge of electrochemistry; apply these concepts in the context of energy-related applications; get the students acquainted with different electrochemical techniques, as well as with application-relevant materials and preparation methods.
ContentDay 1: Course introduction, electrochemistry refresher
Day 2: Rotating disk electrode (RDE) studies
Days 3 - 8: 3 x 2-day blocks of laboratory work (rotating assignments):
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Redox flow batteries
- Polymer electrolyte fuel cells
Day 9: finalize data processing, prepare for oral presentation and exam
Day 10 (at ETH): presentations and exam
Lecture notesThe course material will be prepared and provided by the lecturers.
LiteratureReferences to academic publications of specific relevance to the experiments to be performed will be included within the courses’ script
Prerequisites / Notice- Course language is english.
- The course will take place at the Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen PSI (Link).
- The number of participants is limited to 18 (first-come first-served basis, Master level students have priority over PhD students).
- Students are encouraged to bring their own protective gear for the work in the lab (lab coat, safety goggles). If needed, this can also be provided, please contact the organizers in advance.
- Participants need to be insured (health / accident insurance).
- On-site accommodation at the PSI guesthouse (Link) is possible and will be arranged.

Admittance criterion: previous attendance of at least one of the following courses is mandatory:
- 529-0659-00L Electrochemistry: Fundamentals, Cells & Applications
- 529-0440-00L Physical Electrochemistry and Electrocatalysis
- 529-0191-01L Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage Technologies