Metallurgical and electrochemical processes

Teacher(s)

Proost Joris;

Language

English

Main themes

A first part of the course provides an introduction to electrochemical processes, based on previously developed concepts in chemical thermodynamics. The course starts with a description of aqueous, ionic solutions. Next, quantitative expressions are derived that establish the conditions of electrochemical equilibrium for redox reactions occurring at electrode surfaces. Finally, it is explained how, based on the concept of overpotential, classical rate theory can be applied to describe the kinetics of charge transfer at electrodes. Some typical current-potential regimes are discussed, as well as relevant technological applications.
In a second part, both the chemical and the electrochemical thermodynamic and kinetic principles will be applied to the processing and the chemical stability of inorganic materials. Most materials in use by mankind are indeed unstable relative to their environment. It is shown that, for understanding and describing this chemical (in)stability, the same thermodynamic and kinetic principles can be used as the ones governing their metallurgical extraction (corrosion is merely metal extraction in reverse). Specific attention will be given in this part to the construction and interpretation of relevant metallurgical engineering diagrams.

Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Contribution of the course to the program objectives Having regard to the LO of the programme "Bachelor in Engineering", this activity contributes to the development and acquisition of the following LO : AA1.1, AA1.2 AA2.3, AA2.6, AA2.7 AA4.1, AA4.2, AA4.3 Specific learning outcomes of the course More specifically, with respect to the disciplinary LO, the student at the end of the course will be able to : determine, based on thermodynamic equations and diagrammes, the appropriate operating conditions to produce a metal from its oxidised form, either by reduction in a gaseous atmosphere, or electrochemically in an aqueous medium ; identify and derive mass and energy balances for such a process ; apply the principles of electrochemical kinetics to understand a number of technological applications (corrosion, electrodeposition, fuel cells). Transversal Learning Outcomes Students will also be able to complete an elaborate exercise as a written examination under time constraint, as well as explain in their own words a theoretical concept during a final examination.

Content

Part 1 : Metallurgical processes :

• Ellingham, Kellogg and Chaudron diagrams, for predicting high temperature reactivity of inorganic materials in gaseous environments ;
• Applications : the relative stability of oxides, the working principle of a blast furnace;

Part 2 : Electrochemical processes :

• description of ionic solutions and ion-solvent interactions (Debye-Hückel) ;
• structure of electrified interfaces (double layer, zeita-potential) ;
• electrochemical free energy change (Nernst) ;
• Pourbaix diagrams, for predicting low temperature reactivity of inorganic materials in aqueous solutions ;
• overpotentials and electrode kinetics (Butler-Volmer, polarisation curves) ;
• electrode reactions and processes of technological interest (electrodeposition, fuel cells)

Teaching methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

In 2020-2021, the course should in principle not be taken by students of the Master KIMA  since its content has already been covered in the LMAPR-1231 course of the BAC FYKI. Its content is offered in the form of book chapters to be read independently, with periodic interactions with the teacher.

Evaluation methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

In 2020-21, the evaluation will be carried out continuously during the year, the mode of which will be discussed at the start of the course in consultation with the student.

Teaching materials

• copie des slides des cours magistraux / copy of course slides

Faculty or entity

FYKI