Physical Chemistry

1. Electrochemistry
   1. Redox Reactions
      1. Oxidation and Reduction Processes
         1. Definitions and Differences
         2. Oxidizing and Reducing Agents
         3. Identifying Oxidation Numbers
      2. Electron Transfer Reactions
         1. Mechanisms of Electron Transfer
         2. Marcus Theory of Electron Transfer
         3. Inner Sphere and Outer Sphere Electron Transfer
      3. Balancing Redox Equations
         1. Half-Reaction Method
         2. Oxidation Number Method
         3. Acidic and Basic Solution Considerations
   2. Electrochemical Cells
      1. Galvanic Cells (Voltaic Cells)
         1. Components and Operation
            1. Anode and Cathode Identification
            2. Electrolyte Role and Function
            3. Salt Bridge Purpose and Construction
         2. Cell Diagrams and Notation
         3. Examples (e.g., Daniell Cell)
         4. Standard Electrode Potentials
      2. Electrolytic Cells
         1. Differences from Galvanic Cells
         2. Applications (e.g., Electroplating, Electrolysis of Water)
         3. Faraday’s Laws of Electrolysis
            1. Quantitative Aspects
            2. Calculating Mass of Electroplated Material
   3. Nernst Equation
      1. Equation Derivation and Significance
      2. Application to Calculate Cell Potentials
      3. Effect of Concentration on Cell Potential
      4. Temperature Dependence and Calculations
   4. Electrochemical Thermodynamics
      1. Gibbs Free Energy and Cell Potential
         1. Relationship between ΔG and E°
         2. Calculating Maximum Work
      2. Equilibrium Constants and Electrochemistry
         1. Connection between K, E°, and ΔG°
      3. Entropy and Enthalpy Changes in Electrochemical Reactions
         1. His contribution to cell potential and spontaneity
   5. Corrosion
      1. Causes and Types (e.g., Galvanic, Pitting, Crevice)
         1. Environmental Factors affecting Corrosion
      2. Corrosion Prevention Methods
         1. Cathodic Protection
         2. Coatings and Inhibitors
         3. Material Selection and Design Changes
      3. Electrochemical Corrosion Testing
         1. Polarization Resistance Measurements
         2. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)
   6. Batteries and Fuel Cells
      1. Primary and Secondary Batteries
         1. Types and Examples (e.g., Alkaline, Lithium-ion)
         2. Advantages and Disadvantages
         3. Battery Design Considerations
      2. Fuel Cells
         1. Basic Operating Principles
         2. Types of Fuel Cells
            1. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM)
            2. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC)
            3. Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC)
         3. Applications and Efficiency Calculations
      3. Energy Density and Power Density in Electrochemical Devices
         1. Calculations and Comparisons
         2. Challenges and Future Directions in Development