24-642   Electrochemical Decarbonization Technologies

Electrochemical energy conversion, energy storage, and chemical synthesis are central components of core strategies for decarbonization that address carbon emissions and pollution. Applications include batteries for light-duty electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage, fuel cells for electrification of heavy-duty transportation and stationary power, and electrolyzers for producing hydrogen to be used as a fuel or feedstock in a wide range of industrial processes. This course will cover the fundamentals of electrochemical systems, including thermodynamics, electrocatalysis, and transport phenomena. Those fundamentals will be used to describe and explore the various electrochemical decarbonization technologies, with discussions on their applications, materials, and design practices. The course will also highlight established and emerging methods in experimental characterization and modeling. The course culminates with a final project.