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Programme & Unit Catalogues

Department of Chemistry, Unit Catalogue 2007/08


CH30033 Electrochemistry and surfaces

Credits: 3
Level: Honours
Semester: 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Before taking this unit you must take CH20016 and in taking this unit you cannot take CH40033

Aims & Learning Objectives:
This course provides an introduction to both kinetic electrochemistry and modern methods of modifying and studying surfaces including Surface Plasmon Resonance, Plasmon Fluorescence. Additionally, methods of modifying surfaces with molecules and polymers to make e.g. sensor devices will be discussed. After studying this Unit, students should be able to:
* Define the relationship between mass transport and electron transfer processes in electrochemical measurements.
* Analyse current-voltage behaviour for potential step and cyclic voltammetry measurements.
* Understand how a molecular build up approach can be used to make functional surfaces.
* Understand how SPR, electrochemistry and impedance,can be used to gain real time information about molecular adsorption and protein-molecule binding.
Content:
Introduction and revision of basic concepts in electrochemistry, Electrode kinetics and deriving the Nernst & Butler-Volmer equation, Coupled electron transfer and chemical reactions: EC, ECE and ECE' mechanisms. The glucose biosensor, Methods to improve signal noise; Square Wave & Pulse voltammetry, thin layer cells. Surface Plasmon Resonance: Theory and Application. Kinetic analysis of surface binding. Impedance Spectroscopy: Analysis of thin films at surfaces. Scanning Force Microscopies. Fluorescence methods.