Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering - Illinois Institute of Technology

Because electrochemistry is a multidisciplinary endeavor, the center links several academic disciplines: chemical engineering, environmental engineering, chemistry, physics, and electrical engineering. For instance, practical issues of pollution and industrial ecology - major concerns of the electroplating and battery manufacturing industries - are studied in the environmental engineeering curriculum because of IIT's strong background in these areas.

At the undergraduate level, students get a solid grounding in the principles of electrochemical science and engineering, especially battery, supercapacitor, and fuel cell development. The integration of batteries, capacitors, and fuel cells in telecommunication and electric transportation is another area of concentration. The Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering is the most common degree for undergraduate students with interests in electrochemical science and engineering.

Undergraduates have a unique opportunity to participate in ongoing, externally funded research projects. In collaboration with Commonwealth Edison Co. and Solarex Inc., engineering and architecture students are using solar-derived and electrochemically stored power to illuminate an outdoor sign identifying IIT's Main Campus. A 2.2 kW photovoltaic solar panel generates electric power for the sign during the day, then stores electric power in a battery for use at night. Later in the project, hydrogen, generated by an electrolyzer powered by solar panels, will be stored and used in a small-scale PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cell. This demonstration project explores the technical and economic feasibility of self-contained electric power systems in areas where overcast skies would normally not be conducive to commercial solar power.

At the graduate level, research is the major academic component of electrochemical studies, both for M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Graduate theses or dissertation topics are focused on a specific area of electrochemistry or electrochemical technology. Specialized courses include:

Other courses can be included in a customized curriculum with the approval of the student's adviser.

The purpose of these programs is to increase public understanding of science and technology and to increase the scientific and technological literacy of students of all ages. It is designed for the general public, including teachers, parents, and students for scientific education outside formal school settings. It provides individuals of all ages, interests, and backgrounds better understanding of concepts, topics, processes, and thinking in scientific and technical disciplines, as well as increased knowledge about career opportunities in those fields. Scientific competency, and literacy considered essential to inform citizens about issues that impact their daily lives, and for aiding them in making responsible decisions about science policy issues.

Electrochemistry is a part of chemistry much involved in everyday living, especially in modern energy technologies at the present and probably much more so in the future. Electrochemical batteries operate all of today's portable electronic equipment from cell phones to notebook computers. Electrochemistry is significantly involved in integrated circuit and microchip fabrication processes. Fuel cells, already widely used in space technologies, are prime candidates for electric vehicle propulsion and stationary power sources in a "hydrogen economy" that is a quite likely future energy distribution technology. Electrochemistry is also essential in the production of common chemicals and metals, and provides corrosion protection for many practically used but vulnerable structural materials.

Having popular-science style information about electrochemistry available freely on the Internet ensures that it reaches large audiences and that it has significant and wide-ranging impact. The Electrochemistry Encyclopedia contains popular-science style articles describing many aspects of electrochemistry. New articles are added at irregular intervals, and all articles are periodically updated as recent developments occur in the field. The articles are written by world-renown experts in the field using simple language that makes it understandable for an average person without scientific/technological training. The Encyclopedia is closely linked to a Dictionary (described below) providing instant definitions and explanations for terms that may be unfamiliar for the reader. The topics for the articles are a mixture of classical, mature electrochemical technologies and modern, cutting-edge, future technologies. One advantage of having an encyclopedia on line is that it can be very easily kept up-to-date as new developments occur in the field. The Electrochemistry Dictionary contains simple and brief definitions of words and phrases used often in electrochemistry with, in some cases, a second paragraph providing further information for the "more scientifically minded." It contains many hundreds of definitions and new ones are added from time to time.

Besides traditional courses, the center offers seminars and short courses on subjects such as electro-catalysis and catalysis, thermal management of batteries and specialized sensors. Individuals with professional degrees who seek more precise training in electrochemistry can earn a certificate by completing a series of three to five courses.