Electrochemistry is an important part of our society. At the beginning of this unit we began our understanding of electrochemistry via batteries.
Batteries
Batteries are the most fundamental applications of electrochemistry. The iPads, and iphones that used today commonly use a lithium ion polymer battery (aka LiPo battery). Within these tiny batteries chemical reactions occur that enable electrons to flow to power these devices. Without, these electrochemical reactions we would not have technologies which use batteries. In addition to phones, electric cars have also embraced LiPo batteries. These batteries are once again the application of electrochemistry. The lithium acts as the anode, a metallic oxide cathode, a dry solid polymer electrolyte, and a metallic current collector.
Batteries
Batteries are the most fundamental applications of electrochemistry. The iPads, and iphones that used today commonly use a lithium ion polymer battery (aka LiPo battery). Within these tiny batteries chemical reactions occur that enable electrons to flow to power these devices. Without, these electrochemical reactions we would not have technologies which use batteries. In addition to phones, electric cars have also embraced LiPo batteries. These batteries are once again the application of electrochemistry. The lithium acts as the anode, a metallic oxide cathode, a dry solid polymer electrolyte, and a metallic current collector.
Corrosion
In addition, to a batteries corrosion is a prime example of electrochemistry. Corrosion is a huge problem which can cause devastating damage to large strucutres. In addition, corrosion can result in significant impact on the conomy, health and safety.
Antioxidants
Oxidation-reduction reactionas play an important role in the body. Cellular repiration for example, involves the oxidation of glucose by oxygen. Nonetheless these reactions can produce reactive oxygen species or free radicals. Free radicals are unpaired electrons that may be reactive and oxidize surroding molecules. Free radicals can damage proteins, DNA, and are even believed to be a primary cause of aging. Antioxidants have been used to remove potentially harmful oxidizing agents from the body. Many companies have produced creams, and supplements containing antioxidants which can prevent damage to the body.
BioLuminescenence
The glowing that is seen within a jelly fish is the result of a redox reaction.
Galvanic Cells provide Clean Renewable energy Or Do they?
Electrochemistry has been used to create clean and renewable energy. Redox reactions take place in galvanic cells which convert chemical energy to electrical energy. Products such as fuel cells, deep cycle batteries, rechargeable batteries, and solar powered panels are all connected with galvanic cells. Nonetheless, some acts associated with the mining and refining of some metals are very high in terms of increased pollution. Some of the metals required for constructing these batteries are difficult to attain and marginalize many groups.
Corrosion on Boats
British navy started using copper sheathing on their wooden hulled boats. They noticed that the copper sheets quickly corroded, which exposed the wood. The exposed wood was suceptible to toredo worms. Consequently, Sir Humpery Davy investigted ways to prevent corrosion. In 1824 he discovered cathodic protection where if you attach strips of zinc, tin, or iron it will protect the copper sheets. Zinc was the best metal choice because iron rusted quickly and tin was very expensive. Zinc became a valuable commodity overnight as a result.
Vitamin C prevents
Vitamin C prevents juice from oxidizing and turning brown. Therefore, the Vitamin C not only increases nutritional value but it also increases shelf life
Aluminium Wiring causes overheating
Aluminum wiring in construction material led to a series of house fires because the wiring was overheating and causing the wood to ignite.
Problem: The oxide coating on aluminum creates for a poor conductor
Corrosion to Aluminum (more susceptible to air than copper) caused it to oxidize. The increased resistance makes aluminum hot as electricity is passed throughout. In addition aluminum is more susceptible to oxidizing when exposed to air.
Problem: The oxide coating on aluminum creates for a poor conductor
Corrosion to Aluminum (more susceptible to air than copper) caused it to oxidize. The increased resistance makes aluminum hot as electricity is passed throughout. In addition aluminum is more susceptible to oxidizing when exposed to air.
- This is a good read for application of electrochemicals. http://www.electrochem.org/dl/interface/spr/spr07/spr07_p42.pdf
- http://corrosion-doctors.org/Biographies/DavyBio.htm
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8885335