MOLECULAR ELECTROCHEMISTRY WITH ELEMENTS OF BIOMOLECULAR ELECTROCHEMISTRY

Electrochemistry is a powerful tool to better understand the physicochemical
properties of matter and to develop new technologies shaping
the future of a more sustainable life for the next generations. The course
aims at providing students an overview of the fundamentals of electrode
kinetics and thermodynamics in electrochemical systems. Specific
applications will be also provided, such as electrogenerated
chemiluminescence, electrochemical probe microscopy, electrocatalysis,
biosensing development, and molecular electronics.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- understand the fundamentals of electrochemistry and electron transfer
theory and the role played by electrochemistry in developing
technologies that can help shaping the future of a more sustainable life;
- identify the key features of electrochemical methods and its applied
technologies in terms of sustainability;
- review critically the literature concerning the electrochemical
technologies and their applications;
- apply the notions to ongoing research interests.

The oral exam, with an average duration of about 20 minutes, will cover two or three topics discussed during the course. It will assess argumentative skills and technical-scientific knowledge of the requested subjects of the exam, including a topic of choice.
The grading scale is determined by:
- Knowledge of the required topics (up to 10 points);
- Detailed and precise knowledge of the topics covered (up to 5 points);
- Ability to delve deeper into the topic (up to 5 points);
- Confidence in presentation (up to 5 points);
- Ability to structure the discussion independently (up to 5 points).

General properties of electrochemical systems. Electrode-solution
interphases. Theory of the electric double layer. Mass transport.
Fundamentals of electrode kinetics and thermodynamics.
Electron transfer theory. Main experimental methodologies aimed at
investigating the electrode kinetics: voltammetry, chronoamperometry.
Dissociative electron transfer in molecular model systems.
Redox catalysis. Electrogenerated chemiluminescence.
Electrochemistry as a powerful tool to develop new technologies for a
sustainable and renewable energy production/storage/conversion, and a
cleaner environment.
Advanced electrochemical techniques and instruments based on
scanning probe microscopy: scanning electrochemical microscopy
(SECM), also coupled with atomic force microscopy (AFM-SECM).
Development of electrochemical-based biosensing platforms: ELISAderived
and aptamer/DNA-based technologies, field-effect transistors
(FETs).
Coupling techniques: can optical and electrochemical systems work
together, perhaps simultaneously?
Molecular electronics: the frontier of miniaturization at the nanoscale
employing molecules as advanced electric components.
Conclusions and perspectives: How Electrochemistry can help shaping
the future of a more sustainable life? What’s next?

- Printed or on-line material provided by the teacher.
- Referenced articles
- Bard A. J., Faulkner L. R. Electrochemical Methods: Fundamentals and
Applications, 2nd Edition, 2000, Wiley. ISBN: 978-0-471-04372-0
- Savéant J.-M., Constentin C. Elements of Molecular and Biomolecular
Electrochemistry. 2nd Edition, 2019, Wiley. ISBN: 9781119292333

Test to access the learning advancement during the course, and oral exam.
The oral exam consists of a series of questions, which the student must answer to, thus proving her/his knowldge and understanding of the topics covered by the course.
The correct language and the acquired ability to identify and critically evaluate the appropriateness of the studied methodologies will be evaluated, also in relation to the student's own doctoral research activity if reasonable.
The oral exam generally lasts approx. 30 minutes, depending on the clarity and appropriateness of the answers to the questions.

written and oral

The oral exam, with an average duration of about 20 minutes, will cover two or three topics discussed during the course. It will assess argumentative skills and technical-scientific knowledge of the requested subjects of the exam, including a topic of choice.
The grading scale is determined by:
- Knowledge of the required topics (up to 10 points);
- Detailed and precise knowledge of the topics covered (up to 5 points);
- Ability to delve deeper into the topic (up to 5 points);
- Confidence in presentation (up to 5 points);
- Ability to structure the discussion independently (up to 5 points).

PowerPoint presentations, blackboard, and printed material (when
needed). Video conference might also be possible (if needed)