Chemistry Notes Vtu
Chemistry Notes Vtu
Chemistry Notes Vtu
Energy Systems: Introduction to batteries, construction, working and applications of Lithium ion and
Sodium ion batteries. Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cells (QDSSC’s)- Principle, Properties and
Applications.
Self-learning: Types of electrochemical sensor, Gas sensor - O2 sensor, Biosensor - Glucose sensors.
Sensors
Sensor is an object that detects signals from its surrounding environment and converts it to
meaningful or quantifiable information. Eyes, ears, and nose are all different types of sensors that help
you navigate your surroundings on a day-to-day basis by detecting and processing light, sound, and
smell/taste.
Conductometric sensors
Principle:
The basic principle of conductometric detection involves a reaction that can change the
concentration of ionic species. This reaction leads to changes in electrical conductivity or current flow.
Conductometric biosensors can measure the change of the specific conductance/electrical conductivity
of the analyte. In this method, two inert metal electrodes are used. The ions or electrons produces
during an electrochemical reaction may change the conductivity or resistivity of the solution.
The conductivity is result of dissociation an electrolyte, into ions. The migration of the ions is
induced by an electrical field. When a potential difference is applied to the electrode, there is an
electrical field within the electrolyte, so the positively charged ions move towards cathode and
negatively charged ions are move towards anode (Figure). Thus, the current in the electrolyte is caused
by the ion movement towards the electrodes where the ions are neutralized and isolated as neutral
atoms (or molecules). This chemical change is recognized by working electrode and transducers
converts this chemical change into electrical signal.
Electrochemical Sensors:
Principle:
• The fundamental concept in the detection of analytes by electrochemical sensors involves the
measurement of electric current generated by chemical reactions in the electrochemical system.
• Detection of important molecules or biomarkers that are used for the diagnosis of diseases and
disorders.
• They are used for the monitoring toxic levels of different substances in food quality and
environmental control.
• The biosensor application areas of these sensors extend to medical and biomedical applications,
process control, bioreactors, quality control, agriculture, bacterial and viral diagnosis,
industrial wastewater control.
Thermometric Sensors
A temperature sensor is an electronic device that measures the temperature of its environment
and converts the input data into electronic data to record, monitor, or signal temperature changes. There
are many different types of temperature sensors. The fundamental working of this sensor is based on
the voltage in its diode. The temperature variation is directly related to the resistance of this diode. The
resistance of the diode is detected and transformed into simple and readable values of temperature such
as Fahrenheit, Kelvin, or Centigrade and demonstrated in meaningful formats instead of readout
1. Thermostats
• A thermostat is a contact type sensor containing a bi-metallic section constructed from two
different metals such as aluminium, nickel, tungsten, or copper.
• The main principle of thermostats is based on the difference in the linear expansion coefficient
of the metals. Therefore, it forces them to generate a mechanical movement due to heat rise.
2. Thermistors
• Thermally sensitive resistors or briefly thermistors are particular sensors because of the
modification of their physical appearance due to the change in the temperature.
• The thermistors are constructed from ceramic substances like oxides of particular metals
covered with glass. It will allow them to form simply.
• Some thermistors are NTCs and have a negative temperature coefficient but there are a lot of
thermistors that have a positive temperature coefficient. They are introduced as PTCs, and their
resistance increases by increasing the temperature.
Optical sensors:
Optical sensors are electronic components designed to detect and convert incident light rays
into electrical signals. Eg: Colorimetric Sensors. Optical sensors are divided into several subclasses
such as resonance, dispersion, reflection, refraction, phosphorescence, infrared absorption, Raman
scattering, fluorescence, and chemiluminescence.
• When a sample solution is interacted with a light of suitable wavelength, certain quantity of
light is absorbed by the analyte solution and it is observed by a sensor. The transducer converts
intensity of absorbed light into electrical signal. The change in intensity at certain wavelength
within visible (400–800mm) range can be determined using special instrumentation.
• The relationship between the incident light intensity and the transmitted radiation is given by
the Beer-Lambert law:
𝐼0
𝐴 (𝜆) = log = 𝜀 (𝜆) ∙ 𝑑 ∙ 𝑐
𝐼
𝐼0
where 𝐴 (𝜆) = log is the absorbance at a given wavelength A, (𝐼0 and I are the incident and
𝐼
transmitted light intensities); 𝜀 is the molar absorptivity; d is the optical path through the
absorbing sample and c is the molar concentration of absorbing analyte.
• What the detector monitors varies by technique (e.g., refractive index, scattering, diffraction,
absorbance, reflectance, photoluminescence, chemiluminescence, etc.), can cover different
regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, and can allow measurement of multiple properties.
• Computers
• motion detectors.
• copy machines (xerox machines)
• light fixtures that turn on automatically in the dark.
• alarm systems
• synchro for photographic flashes
• systems that can detect the presence of objects.
The two methods for estimation of DO are optical method and electrochemical method.
(a) Optical method: Optical DO sensors are made of two parts, a sensor spot and a fibre optic reader.
The sensor spot is attached to the interior of a cell culture vessel and contains a fluorescent dye
suspended in a hydrogel. The external reader is connected to a computer or data hub and is responsible
for sending and receiving optical signals to the sensor spot.
Working Principle
The difference in potential between the anode and the cathode should be at least 0.5V. DO
sensor is immersed in water sample. Oxygen molecule diffuses across the oxygen-permeable
membrane (Teflon) and the rate of diffusion is proportional to the pressure of oxygen in the water.
Molecular Oxygen reduces to OH- at cathode. This reaction produces an electrical current that is
directly related to the oxygen concentration. This current is carried by the ions in the electrolyte and
runs from the cathode to the anode.
1. Pharmaceuticals
a. for the analysis of diclofenac.
Carbon based-electrodes are the most investigated electrodes in diclofenac analysis. Carbon
nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene-based composites are the most efficient modifiers for diclofenac
detection that allowed the detection of diclofenac up to picomolar levels. CNT-based electrochemical
diclofenac sensors: Electrochemical sensors, in particular, are a class of chemical sensors in which an
electrode is used as a transducer element in the presence of an analyte. The following are the
components:
The following are the components of the electrochemical sensor used for the detection of the
hydrocarbons-
Sulphur dioxide is one of the main substances that pollute the air. Sulfur oxides, SO2 released
from thermal power stations and other industrial plants, are gases harmful to the environment. It is
very important to detect and control the concentrations of SOx in industrial processes. The attempt to
detect sulphur dioxide in the air is a regular task of air inspection.
Gas sensors detect chemicals in the gas phase. The gas sensors operate by reacting with the gas
of interest and producing an electrical signal proportional to the gas concentration. A typical
electrochemical sensor consists of: a sensing electrode (or working electrode), counter electrode
separated by a thin layer of electrolyte and a reference electrode. Gases diffuse through a membrane
to be reduced or oxidized at an electrode. Initially the gas passes through a small capillary-type opening
and then diffuses through a hydrophobic barrier, and eventually reaches the electrode surface. SOx
sensors utilizing a solid electrolyte such as K2SO4, Na2SO4, Li2SO4, Ag2SO4, Nasicon, Na-Al2O3 and
Applications:
Nitrogen oxide is the general term for a gas mixture composed of various oxides of nitrogen,
often referred as NOx. The normal air is nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide. In environmental
analysis, nitrogen oxide generally refers to NO and NO 2. NO is an important vasodilator, and
monitoring its levels becomes crucial in the diagnostics of cardiovascular complications.
Electrochemical sensors are made up of three essential components: a receptor that binds the
sample, the sample or analyte, and a transducer to convert the reaction into a measurable electrical
signal. In the case of electrochemical sensors, the electrode acts as the transducer.
The electrode surface is used as the site of the reaction. The electrode will either oxidize or reduce
the analyte of interest. The current that is produced from the reaction is monitored and used to
calculate important data such as concentrations from the sample. The NO x sensor monitors the
oxidation of NO as it occurs on the electrode surface. In many instances of electrochemical sensors,
the electrode surface can be modified with catalysts, membranes, or other metals to make the
electrode more sensitive and/or more selective toward the analyte (in the instance below, the Glassy
NO → NO+ + e-
NO+ + OH-→HNO2
The ΔE for the overall process is +0.5V vs. a Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The reaction for the
Ag/AgCl reference electrode is the following: AgCl + e- ↔ Ag + Cl- ; Eo+0.222V
Disposable sensors: Disposable sensors are low-cost and easy-to-use sensing devices designed for
short-term or rapid single-point measurements.
• Depending on what electrochemical method is used, the current measured by the electrode or the
change in potential caused by the redox reaction occurring on the electrode, is directly proportional
to the concentration of a given sample. Example electrochemical oxidation of ascorbic acid and
oxidation of glucose.
Application of biosensors
b. Pesticides
To achieve improved cultivation in agricultural fields, farmers started to use large amount of
(more than prescribed ppm/ppb levels) harmful synthetic/chemical pesticides instead of organic
manure. These synthetic pesticides also have a direct impact on the soil as well as the agro-
products. The accumulation of pesticides into the vegetables lead to a poisoning effect. Pesticides
in the cultivated agro-products can induce a number of diseases such as asthma, diabetes, birth
defects, reproductive dysfunction, etc. They do this by suppressing the activity of many enzymes
in the human system. Therefore, monitoring the level of pesticides in soil, water and cultivated
agro-products is one of the best ways to detect the abuse of pesticides.
Working: One of the most commonly used pesticides is glyphosate. Glyphosate has the ability to
attach to the soil colloids and degraded by the soil microorganisms. As glyphosate led to the
appearance of resistant species, the pesticide was used more intensively. As a consequence of the
heavy use of glyphosate, residues of this compound are increasingly observed in food and water.
Recent studies reported a direct link between glyphosate and chronic effects such as tetrogenic,
tumorigenic. Electrochemical Sensor for Glyphosate Detection The sensor is a silicon- based chip
comprising of three-electrode system. It is fabricated by electro deposition technique. The following
are the components –
• Working Electrode: A gold electrode of 4 mm diameter coated with 200nm thickness gold
nanoparticles
• Counter electrode: A gold electrode of 4 mm diameter coated with 20nm thickness gold
nanoparticles
• Reference Electrode: Ag/AgCl/Cl-
• Electrolytes are added to increase the conductivity of the solution and minimizes the
resistance between the working and counter electrode.
Conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy is the function involved in cells. One of
galvanic cells that convert chemical energy into electrical energy. In general battery is a combination
of galvanic cells neither in series (or) parallel both in order to get the required amount of electrical
energy. Battery is a device which transforms chemical energy of a redox reaction into electrical energy.
Example: Zn-Air battery, lead acid battery, lithium batteries, etc. The following are the components of
batteries-
• Anode: The anode (-ve electrode) is oxidized during the electrochemical reaction and
liberates electrons of the external circuit.
M → Mn+ + e- Metal
• Cathode: The cathode (Positive electrode) is reduced during the electrochemical reaction
which accepts electrons from external circuit.
• Electrolyte: The electrolyte which provide the medium for transfer of ions inside the cell
between the anode and cathode. The electrolyte must have good ionic conductivity and
resistance to the electrode materials.
• Separator: The separator: the material that electronically isolates the anode and the cathode in
a battery to prevent internal short-circuiting.
Example: Cellulose, Vinyl polymer, Polyolefins
Classification of batteries:
Batteries are classified as (a) Primary, (b) secondary and (c) reserve batteries.
a. Primary batteries
In primary batteries, the chemical energy is converted into electrical energy as long as the chemical
components are active. These batteries the reaction occurs only once and after that they must be
discarded. These batteries cannot be recharged as the chemical reactions which occur within the
primary batteries are irreversible. Examples: Zn- air battery, Dry cell, Leclanche cell (Zn-MnO2), Li-
MnO2 battery, Magnesium cell (Mg- MnO2)
b. Secondary batteries
Secondary batteries are those which after discharging can be recharged. These batteries chemical
reactions taking place are reversible. The redox reaction which converts chemical energy into electrical
energy can be reversed by passage of current. The electric energy is stored in the form of chemical
energy these batteries are also known a storage cell. Examples: Lead storage battery, Nickel-cadmium
battery, Nickel-metal hydride battery and Lithium-ion battery.
These batteries one of the components is isolated and incorporated into the battery when required.
The electrolyte is the component that is isolated, but some water activated batteries contain the
electrolyte solute and water is added for activation. They are used to deliver high power for relatively
short periods of time in application such as radiosondes (air borne instruments to send to
meteorological information back to earth by radio).Examples: Mg batteries activated by water (Mg-
AgCl, Mg-CuCl), Zn-Ag2O batteries etc
Li-ion Battery
(a) cathode (positive electrode): e.g., LiCoO2, LiFePO 4, Lithium manganese oxide, Nickel cobalt
aluminium, Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide
(b) anode (negative electrode): e.g., carbon or graphite which are contacted by an electrolyte
containing lithium ions. The electrodes are isolated from each other by a separator, typically
microporous polymer membrane, which allows the exchange of Li-ions between the two
electrodes but not electrons.
(c) Electrolyte: A lithium salt such as LiPF6, LiAsF6, LiClO4, LiBF4 dissolved in an organic solvent
such as ethylene carbonate dimethyl carbonate or dimethoxy ethane.
(d) Separator: Microporous polyethylene or polypropylene
• Li-ion batteries use a process known as intercalation, in which lithium ions are incorporated into
the structure of the electrode materials.
• Inside the cell, lithium ions move from the positive to the negative electrode during charging and
from the negative to the positive electrode as the battery is discharged.
• In this way the external energy are electrochemically stored in the battery in the form of chemical
energy in the anode and cathode materials with different chemical potentials.
• Electrons move through an external circuit in the same direction as the lithium ions, driven by an
external charger (when charging) or by the stored potential chemical energy (available to drive a
load) when the battery is discharging.
The Li-ion cell is represented as: LiLi+, C LiPF6 (in ethylene carbonate)LiCoO2
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Applications:
a. electric-powered vehicles
b. buffer the intermittent and fluctuating green energy supply from renewable resources, such as
solar and wind
c. grid application
d. cell phones
e. powering hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)
f. plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)
g. electric vehicles (EVs)
Na-ion Battery
Construction and Working:
(a) Anode materials (negative electrode): carbon-based (hard-carbon), transition metals, and their
alloy compounds.
It stores energy in the chemical bonds of anode. When battery is recharging sodium ions moves from
cathode to the anode. Meanwhile charge balancing electrons pass from the cathode through the external
circuit containing the charger and into the anode During discharge process electrons move from and
anode to external circuit, it can be used for various applications. Meanwhile, Na+ ions move from
anode to the cathode. Voltage obtained from every sodium ion cell is 3.6 V. The electrode reactions
are as follow,
The NaCoO2 cathode, like LiCoO2, is initially brought into the Na-ion cell in the discharged state, and
the cell is activated by charging first to form the Na intercalated anode and Na deintercalated cathode
in the fully charged cell.
Advantages
Disadvantages:
Applications:
a. Power backup: Data and telecom sectors heavily rely on battery powered infrastructures and
operations to drive to the global economy. Na-ion batteries can provide on demand power to
ensure safe and seamless power supply.
b. Automobiles and Transportation: In electric vehicles including electric cars and buses.
c. Grid-level applications: Na-ion batteries can help optimise the solar and wind energy to meet
grid energy storage requirements.
d. Industrial mobility: Na-ion batteries can maximize asset utilization and minimize operating
cost with constant state of readiness and powerful peak power.
Principle: Upon light irradiation, the sensitizer is photoexcited. The excited electrons of QDs are
injected into the conduction band of the TiO2. The electrons penetrate through the nanocrystalline TiO2
film to the back contact of the conducting substrate, and flow through an external circuit to the CEs.
At the CEs, the oxidized component of redox couple in the electrolyte is reduced. The oxidized form
of the sensitizer is finally regenerated by the reduced component of redox couple in the electrolyte.
The external load is connected to the cell to complete the circuit through electron migration. When the
cell is irradiated with sunlight, the potential difference between the photo-electrode (due to the Fermi
level of the electrons) and electrolyte (due to the redox potential) produces a voltage across the load,
and the solar energy conversion efficiency (η) of the cells is obtained as follow.
Jm • Vm • FF
𝜂=
𝑃
where P is the power density at the operating point, and J m and Vm represent current density and
voltage, respectively, at the actual maximum power.
(a) Photoanode: Photoanode usually consists of semiconducting metal oxide deposited on a transparent
conducting oxide substrate. Eg: Metal oxide electron-transporting/acceptor materials (TiO2, ZnO,
ZrO2, PbS-based photoanodes)
(b) QD sensitizers: To maximize the harvesting efficiency of the incident light, it should possess a high
absorption coefficient and appropriate band-gap energy. Eg: ZnS, ZnSe, Ag2S, Bi2S3, CdS, CdSe,
CdTe, InAs, In2S3, InP, PbS, PbSe, Si, Graphene, Cu-ZnS, and halides
(c) Counter electrodes (CE): transfers electrons from the external circuit into electrolyte and catalyses
the reduction reaction of the oxidized electrolytes at the electrolyte/CE interface. Eg: Noble metals
(Pt), Metal chalcogenides, Carbon materials (graphene, carbon fiber, carbon black, multiwalled
carbon nanotubes)
(d) Electrolyte: Redox electrolytes enhances the efficiency and stability of QDSSCs. It is a medium
which transfers charges between counter electrodes and photoanodes for the regeneration of
oxidized QDs. Eg: iodide/triiodide (I-/I3-) electrolyte
Advantages of QDSCCs: The following are the benefits of quantum dot solar cells.
Disadvantages of QDSC.
• Cadmium selenide-based quantum dot solar cells are highly toxic in nature and require a very
stable polymer shell.
• Cadmium and selenium ions which are used in the core of quantum dots are known to be
cytotoxic.
Applications:
Display Systems: Photoactive and electro active materials, Nanomaterials and organic materials used
in optoelectronic devices. Liquid crystals (LC’s) - Introduction, classification, properties and
application in Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD’s). Properties and application of Organic Light Emitting
Diodes (OLED’s) and Quantum Light Emitting Diodes (QLED’s), Light emitting electrochemical
cells.
Memory Devices
The basic goal of a memory device is to provide a means for storing and accessing binary digital
data sequences of “1’s” and “0’s”, as one of the core functions (primary storage) of modern computers.
An electronic memory device is a form of semiconductor storage which is fast in response and compact
in size, and can be read and written when coupled with a central processing unit (CPU, a processor).
In conventional silicon-based electronic memory, data are stored based on the amount of charge stored
in the memory cells. Organic/polymer electronic memory stores data in an entirely different way, for
instance, based on different electrical conductivity states (ON and OFF states) in response to an applied
electric field. Organic/polymer electronic memory is likely to be an alternative or at least a
supplementary technology to conventional semiconductor electronic memory. According to the
storage type of the device, electronic memory can be divided into two primary categories: volatile and
non-volatile memory.
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Module 2: Materials for memory and display systems.
1. Non-volatile memory: Non-volatile memory (NVM) or non-volatile storage is a type of
memory that can retain stored information even after power is removed. ROM (WORM,
EPROM) and Hybrid (Flash, EEPROM) memories are non-volatile memories.
2. Volatile Memory: Volatile memory is a type of memory that maintains its data only while the
device is powered. If the power is interrupted for any reason, the data is lost.
Describes a data storage device in which information once written, cannot be modified.
This write protection affords the assurance that the data cannot be tampered with once
it is written to the device, excluding the possibility of data loss from human error,
computer bugs, or malware
Hybrid memories can be read and written as desired, like RAM, but maintain their contents
without electrical power, just like ROM. It is a Non-Volatile memory. Flash and EEPROM are the two
types.
i. Flash
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Module 2: Materials for memory and display systems.
It is a type of data memory device using an electronic device to erase or write digital
data.
It is a computer's short-term memory. It can be read and changed in any order, typically used
to store working data and machine code. RAMs consist of ferromagnetic particles embedded in a
polymer matrix having a high dielectric constant.
It is a type of semiconductor memory that is typically used for the data or program
code needed by a computer processor to function.
All DRAM chips manufactured to date use capacitors containing electrodes made of
doped silicon or polysilicon and dielectric films of silicon dioxide and/or silicon
nitride.
It is a type of RAM that holds data in a static form, that is, as long as the memory has
power.
SRAM: It is made up of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors
(MOSFETs)
Transistors are made from silicon, a semiconductor. It is converted to p-type and n-type
semiconductor by doping trivalent and pentavalent impurities. Transistors are made using p-type and
n-type semiconductor. The main components are-
(a) source
(b) drain
(c) gate
(d) dielectric layer of inorganic and polymer insulator
(e) active semiconducting layer made of conjugated molecule or polymer
(f) electrodes: Au for polymer-based FETs
(g) Substrate: glass, wafer or plastic
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Module 2: Materials for memory and display systems.
A transistor is a miniature electronic component that can work either as an amplifier or a switch. A
computer memory chip consists of billions of transistors, each transistor is working as a switch, which
can be switched ON or OFF. Each transistor can be in two different states and store two different
numbers, ZERO and ONE. Since chip is made of billions of such transistors and can store billions of
Zeros and Ones, and almost every number and letter can be stored.
Device Structure
Capacitors can store charges on two parallel plate electrodes under an applied electric field.
Based on the amount of charge stored in the cell, the bit level (either “0” or “1”) can be encoded
accordingly. A capacitor consists of two metal plates which are capable of storing an electric charge.
It is used to store data. It is like a battery that holds data based on energy.
If the capacitor is charged, it holds the binary numeral,”1” and holds “0’ when the cell is discharged.
If the parallel plates of a capacitor are separated by dielectric layer, charges dissipate slowly and
memory would be volatile. On the other hand, if the medium between the electrodes is ferroelectric
in nature, can maintain permanent electric polarization that can be repeatedly switched between two
stable states (bistable) by an external electric field. Thus, memory based on ferroelectric capacitors
(FeRAM) is non-volatile memory.
Device Structure
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Module 2: Materials for memory and display systems.
devices, resistor-type memory does not require a specific cell structure (e.g. FET) or to be integrated
with the CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) technology. Resistor-type memory
devices store data in an entirely different form, for instance, based on different electrical conductivity
states (ON and OFF states). Memory devices containing switchable resistive materials are classified
as resistor-type memory, or resistive random access memory (RRAM). Resistor-type electronic
memory usually has a simple structure, having a metal-insulator-metal structure generally referred to
as MIM structure. Resistor-type memory is based on the change of the electrical conductivity of
materials in response to an applied voltage (electric field). The structure comprises of an insulating
layer sandwiched between the two metal electrodes and supported on a substrate (glass, silicon wafer,
plastic or metal foil). Initially, the device is under high resistance state or “OFF” and logically “0”
state, when resistance changed or under external applied field changes to low resistance state or “ON”
logical value “1”. The top and bottom electrodes can be either symmetric or asymmetric, with
aluminium, gold, copper, p- or n-doped silicon, and ITO being the most widely used electrode
materials. Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain electrical conductance switching in
organic/polymer memory devices. Among them, the most widely reported mechanisms include
filament conduction, space charges and traps, charge transfer effects, and conformational changes.
The advantages of organic and polymer electronic memory over traditional silicon-based memory
include-
good processability
molecular design through chemical synthesis
simple device structure: use of low cost substrate like plastic and paper
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Module 2: Materials for memory and display systems.
miniaturized dimensions
low-cost
low-power operation
multiple state properties
large capacity for data storage
lighter
more flexible
Based on materials used Organic memory devices (OMDs) broadly classified as:
a) resistive switch and ‘write once, read many times’ (WORM) devices,
b) molecular memory devices, and
c) polymer memory devices (PMDs)
There are two major classes of organic semiconductors: -low molecular weight materials and
polymers. Organic semiconductors can be divided according to the character of charge carriers into p-
type (a positive charge or hole as the major carrier), n-type (a negative charge or electron as the major
carrier) or Ambipolar organic semiconductors (both electrons and holes are involved as charge
carriers)
An Organic molecule with π conjugated system and possess holes as major charge carrier is
called p-type semiconductor. Example: Pentacene. Pentacene is a polycyclic, linear aromatic
hydrocarbon formed by the fusion of five benzene rings. The extended π-system allows the continuous
delocalization of π-electrons and there is a lateral overlapping of pi-electrons between the molecules.
Consider OTFT (Optical Thin Film Transistor) as shown above. Source and drain was made of
gold and semiconductor was Pentacene. When a Positive voltage is applied to the gate negative charges
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Module 2: Materials for memory and display systems.
are induced at the source electrode (Au). Since, Fermi level of gold is away from LUMO of Pentacene,
electron flow cannot takes place. When a negative voltage is applied to the gate holes are injected from
source to semiconductor because Fermi level energy of gold is close to energy of HOMO of Pentacene.
A conducting channel is formed at the insulator and semiconductor interface and allows the movement
of charge carriers holes from source to drain when secondary voltage is applied. Hence pentacene is a
p-type semiconductor
Note:
Source is the terminal through which the majority charge carriers are entered in a transistor. Drain:
Drain is the terminal through which the majority charge carriers exit in a transistor
The highest energy level that an electron can occupy at the absolute zero temperature is known as
the Fermi Level.
An Organic molecule with π conjugated system with electron withdrawing substituent groups
and possess electrons as major charge carrier is called n- type semiconductor. When a p-type
semiconductor Pentacene is modified with electronegative fluorine atoms to lower the Lowest
Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) energy levels of materials for electron injection and transport.
The HOMO-LUMO gaps of perfluorinated pentacene are smaller than those of the corresponding
Pentacene.
Consider OTFT(Optical Thin Film Transistor) as shown above. Source and drain was made of
gold and semiconductor was Perfluropentacene. The HOMO-LUMO gaps are 2.07 eV for pentacene
and 1.95eV for perfluoropentacene. When a Positive voltage is applied to the gate negative charges
are induced at the source electrode (Au). The source and drain electrodes inject electrons in its LUMO
level. This charge forms a conducting channel at the insulator and semiconductor interface and allows
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Module 2: Materials for memory and display systems.
the charge carriers electron from source to drain. Hence, Perfluropentacene is considered as a n-Type
semiconductor.
A volatile memory is a type of memory which cannot sustain the two distinct electronic states
without an external electronic power supply, that is, the written data will disappear. A non-volatile
memory can sustain the two distinct states without the power supply, that is, the written data will not
disappear when an external electronic power supply is removed.
Understanding the relationship between the chemical structure and memory properties is a
subject of utmost importance in the development of polymer memory materials. One such polymer
used for organic memory device is Polyimide with Donor- Triphenylamine and Acceptor- phthalimide.
Donor: Triphenyl Amine group (TPA) Acceptor: Phthalimide group. Hexafluoroisopropylidene (6F):
Increases the solubility of PI.
The donors and acceptors of PIs contribute to the electronic transition based on an induced
charge transfer (CT) effect under an applied electric field. When an electric field more than threshold
energy is applied, the electrons of the HOMO (TPA unit) is excited to LUMO. The energy of LUMO
of donor and acceptor are similar and therefore, after excitation the electron transferred to
LUMO(acceptor), generating a CT state. This permits the generation of holes in the HOMO, which
produces the open channel for the charge carriers to migrate through. Therefore, Field-induced charge
transfer from triphenylamine to phthalimide exhibit the switching behaviour (bistable states ON/OFF).
This device exhibits dynamic random access memory (DRAM) behaviour with an ON/OFF current
ratio of up to 105.
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Module 2: Materials for memory and display systems.
Display System
Display System: Display system is a system through which information is conveyed to people
through visual means
Organic semiconductors used in electronic and optoelectronic devices are called as electro
active and Photoactive materials. Photoactive and electro active organic materials are the
semiconductors composed of π-electron systems.
Working Principle
Photoactive and electroactive material absorb and emit light in the UV to IR region. Display
system (OLED) consisting of photoactive and electroactive material absorb light and allows an
electron to jump from HOMO of a Donor to LUMO of an Acceptor. This phenomenon generate and
transport charge carriers. In an OLED device, the light-emitting layer is excited by the recombination
energy of electrons from the cathode and holes from the anode, and then the light-emitting layer emits
light when returning to the ground state. One of the electrodes consists of transparent material in order
to extract light from the light emitting layer.
Optoelectronics
Optoelectronics is the communication between optics and electronics which includes the study,
design and manufacture of a hardware device that converts electrical energy into light and light into
energy through semiconductors. Optoelectronic devices: A hardware device that converts electrical
energy into light and light into energy through semiconductors. Optoelectronic devices are primarily
transducers i.e. they can convert one energy form to another.
They can also detect light and transform light signals to electrical signals for processing by a computer.
Working principle
Optoelectronic devices are special types of semiconductor devices that are able to convert light
energy to electrical energy or electrical energy to light energy. If the photon has an energy larger than
the energy a gap, the photon will be absorbed by the semiconductor, exciting an electron from the
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Module 2: Materials for memory and display systems.
valence band into the conduction band, where it is free to move. A free hole is left behind in the valence
band. When the excited electron is returning to valence band, extra photon energy is emitted in the
form a light. This principle is used in Optoelectronic devices.
Any substance in which at least one dimension is less than 100nm is called nanomaterials. The
properties of nanomaterials are different from bulk materials due to: Quantum Confinement effect,
Increased surface area to volume ratio. The improved electronic properties yielded for nanostructured
silicon in comparison to its bulk, which led the use of Silicon Nanocrystals in electronics and
optoelectronics fields.
Silicon Nano crystal has wider bandgap energy due to quantum confinement.
Si NCs shows higher light emission property (Photoluminescence)
Si NCs exhibit quantum yield of more than 60%.
Si-NCs exhibit tuneable electronic structure.
Larger surface area-volume ratio
Applications:
Si NCs are used in neuromorphic computing and down-shifting in photovoltaics
Si NCs are used in the construction of novel solar cells, photodetectors and optoelectronic
synaptic devices.
Properties:
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Module 2: Materials for memory and display systems.
P3HT is a semiconducting polymer with high stability and exhibits conductivity due to holes
therefore considered as p-type semiconductor.
Poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT) have great capability as light-absorbing materials in organic
electronic devices.
P3HT has a crystalline structure and good charge-transport properties required for
Optoelectronics.
P3HT has a direct-allowed optical transition with a fundamental energy gap of 2.14 eV.
Fundamental bandgap of P3HT is 490nm visible region, corresponding to π →π* transition,
giving electron-hole pair.
P3HT indicate that an increase in the conductivity is associated with an increase in the degree of
Crystallinity.
Applications:
P3HT-ITO forms a p-n junction permit the charge carriers to move in opposite direction and
hence, used in Photovoltaic devices.
It can be used as a positive electrode in Lithium batteries.
Used in the construction of Organic Solar Cells.
Manufacture of smart windows .
Used in the fabrication new types of memory devices.
Applications
PVK has been commonly used in OLEDs , light harvesting applications , photorefractive
polymer composites and memory devices
Used in the fabrication of light-emitting diodes and laser printers.
Used in the fabrication of organic solar cells when combined with TIO on glass substrate.
Used in the fabrication of solar cells when combined with Perovskite materials.
PVK-Perovskite junction is used in Light-Emitting Diodes with Enhanced Efficiency and
Stability
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Module 2: Materials for memory and display systems.
Liquid Crystals
The liquid crystals are a unique state of matter between solid (crystalline) and liquid (isotropic)
phases. Liquid crystal is a material which flows like a liquid and shows some properties of solid. The
molecular structure of liquid crystal is in between solid crystal and liquid isotropic. Liquid Crystal
Display (LCD) is an flat display screen used in electronic devices such as laptop, computer, TV, cell
phones and portable video games. These LCD are very thin displays and it consumes less power than
LEDs. In Liquid crystal display (LCD) nematic type of liquid crystal molecular arrangement is used
in which molecules are oriented in some degree of alignment. For example when we increase the
temperature the ice cube melts and liquid crystal is like the state in between ice cube and water.
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Module 2: Materials for memory and display systems.
Thermotropic liquid crystals have been classified into the following types:
The molecules move either sideways or up and down. Each molecule can also twist or rotate
around its axis giving rise to a twisted nematic. Since the molecules are oriented in one direction, they
exhibit anisotropy. In this case, the molecules are readily aligned in the same direction in the presence
of electric and magnetic fields. The alignment of molecules is temperature sensitive – as the
temperature is increased, the degree of orientation of the nematic crystals decreases and they change
into isotropic liquids. Examples: p-azoxyphenetole, anisaldazine.
The molecules in smectic crystals are oriented parallel to each other as in the nematic phase
but in layers. These layers can slide pass each other because the force between the layers is weak. They
are denoted by alphabet letter A, B, C, etc. Some common types of smectic liquid crystals are given
below.
i. Smectic A: In smectic A, the molecules are aligned perpendicular to the layer planes.
ii. Smectic C: The arrangement of molecules is similar to smectic A except that the molecules
are slightly tilted. They have high viscosity and are not suitable for devices.
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Module 2: Materials for memory and display systems.
This type of mesophase is formed by derivatives of cholesterol such as cholesteryl esters. Like
the nematic phase, the molecules in this type of crystal are also parallel to each other but arranged in
layers. The molecules in successive layers are slightly twisted or rotated with respect to the layers
above and below so as to form a continuous helical or spiral pattern. Cholesteryl benzoate, the first
known liquid crystal, is of cholesteric type. Its transition temperature is 146 °C and melting point is
178.5 °C.
Molecules are arranged in a column arrangement with disc like structure. These are referred to
as columnar phases. Applications are: in photovoltaic devices, organic light emitting diodes (OLED),
and molecular wires.
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Module 2: Materials for memory and display systems.
Properties of liquid crystals
They exhibit optical anisotropy which is defined as the difference between refractive index
parallel to the director and refractive index perpendicular to the director. These two properties
are important for the electro-optic effects in liquid crystals.
The intermolecular forces are rather weak and can be perturbed by an applied electric field.
Because the molecules are polar, they interact with an electric field, which causes them to
change their orientation slightly.
Liquid Crystal can flow like a liquid, due to loss of positional order.
Liquid crystal is optically birefringent, due to its orientation order.
Liquid crystals, like all other kinds of matter, exhibits thermal expansion (Thermal Imaging).
Liquid crystals have a wide range of applications in various fields, including electronics, optics,
displays, sensors, and medicine. Some of the major applications of liquid crystals are:
Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs): The liquid crystal layer in LCDs allows for the display of images
and text through the use of electrical currents that control the orientation of the crystals.
Sensors: Liquid crystal sensors are used in various applications such as temperature sensing,
humidity sensing, and chemical sensing.
Optical Devices: Liquid crystals are used in various optical devices such as variable optical
attenuators, phase shifters, and tuneable filters. These devices are used in optical communication
systems, spectroscopy, and imaging.
Medicine: Liquid crystals have been used in drug delivery systems, where the drug is encapsulated
in the liquid crystal matrix and delivered to specific target cells.
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Module 2: Materials for memory and display systems.
A liquid crystal display (LCD) is a flat panel display technology that uses liquid crystals to
produce images. LCDs are commonly used in electronic devices such as televisions, computer
monitors, and mobile phones. LCD consists of two polarized glass pieces. Two electrodes, one is
positive and the other one is negative. External potential is applied to LCD through this electrodes and
it is made up of indium-tin-oxide. Liquid crystal layer of about 10μm- 20μm is placed between two
glass sheets. The light is passed or blocked by changing the polarization.
The working principle of an LCD is based on the optical properties of liquid crystals.
An LCD consists of a layer of liquid crystal material sandwiched between two transparent
electrodes.
When an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal, it twists the orientation of the liquid crystal
molecules, which changes the polarization of the light passing through the liquid crystal.
Polarizing filter is placed in front of and behind the liquid crystal layer to control the orientation
of the light passing through it.
The LCD also has a backlight, which shines light through the liquid crystal layer to produce an
image.
The LCD can display images in colour by using filters that absorb different colours of light.
Each pixel of an LCD contains three sub-pixels that can produce red, green, and blue colours. By
adjusting the voltage applied to each sub-pixel, the LCD can create millions of different colours.
Overall, the working principle of an LCD is based on the manipulation of light using liquid crystals
and polarizing filters to create images.
When the external bias is applied the molecular arrangement is
disturbed and that area looks dark and the other area looks clear.
In the segment arrangement the conducting segment looks dark
and the other segment looks clear. To display number 2 the
segments A, B, G, E, D are energized.
“OLEDs are thin film devices consisting of a stack of organic layers sandwiched between two
electrodes. OLEDs operate by converting electrical current into light via an organic emitter”. The basic
OLED cell structure consists of a stack of thin organic layers sandwiched between a conducting anode
and a conducting cathode.
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Module 2: Materials for memory and display systems.
Hole Transport Layer (HTL) – This layer supports the transport of holes across it so they can
reach the emissive layer
Emissive Layer – The heart of the device and where light is made, the emissive layer consists
of a colour defining emitter doped into a host. This is the layer where the electrical energy is
directly converted into light.
Blocking layer (BL) – Commonly used to improve OLED technology by confining electrons
(charge carriers) to the emissive layer
Electron Transport Layer (ETL) – Supports the transport of electrons across it so they can reach
the emissive layer.
Cathode (may or may not be transparent depending on the type of OLED) – Negatively charged
to inject electrons into the organic layers that make up the OLED device.
When a voltage is applied across the OLED, a current flows through the device and into the
emissive layer. As the current passes through the emissive layer, the organic molecules become excited
and move to a higher energy state. When they return to their original energy state, they release energy
in the form of photons, which create the visible light that we see.
Properties of OLED
Thinness and flexibility: OLEDs are very thin and flexible, which makes them suitable for use in
curved or flexible displays.
High contrast: OLEDs have a high contrast ratio, which means that they can produce deep blacks
and bright ewhites, resulting in images with vivid and rich colours.
Fast response time: OLEDs have a fast response time, which means that they can switch on and
off quickly, resulting in smooth and seamless motion in video content.
Wide viewing angle: OLEDs have a wide viewing angle, which means that the image quality is
maintained even when viewed from different angles.
Energy efficiency: OLEDs are energy efficient, as they do not require a backlight like traditional
LCD displays, resulting in lower power consumption.
Self-emissive: OLEDs are self-emissive, which means that they do not require a separate light
source, resulting in a thinner display.
Long lifespan: OLEDs have a long lifespan, as they do not contain a backlight that can degrade
over time, resulting in a longer-lasting display.
Applications
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Module 2: Materials for memory and display systems.
Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) have a wide range of applications due to their unique
properties, including high contrast, energy efficiency, thinness, and flexibility. Like,
Televisions and displays: OLED displays are used in televisions, monitors, smartphones, and other
electronic devices.
Lighting: OLEDs can also be used as a source of lighting in various applications, including
automotive lighting, street lighting, and architectural lighting.
Wearable devices: The thin and flexible nature of OLEDs makes them suitable for use in wearable
devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers.
Automotive: OLEDs can be used in automotive applications, such as dashboard displays, interior
lighting, and taillights.
Medical: OLEDs can be used in medical applications, such as in surgical lighting and medical
imaging. They offer bright and highly accurate lighting options that can help improve medical
procedures and diagnosis.
Quantum dot light emitting diodes are a form of light emitting technology and consist of nano-
scale crystals that can provide an alternative for applications such as display technology”.
Properties of QLED
Accurate and vibrant colours: QLEDs are capable of producing highly accurate and vibrant
colours due to their use of quantum dots, which emit light of a specific colour when they are
excited by a light source or an electrical current.
Energy-efficient: QLEDs are more energy-efficient than traditional LCD displays because they
do not require as much backlighting.
High contrast: QLED displays have high contrast ratios, which means that the difference between
the darkest and brightest areas of the display is greater, resulting in more detailed and lifelike
images.
Long lifespan: QLEDs have a longer lifespan than traditional LCD displays because they do not
suffer from the same issues of backlight burnout or color fading over time.
Fast response times: QLED displays have fast response times, which means that they can display
fast-moving images without motion blur or ghosting.
Flexibility: QLEDs can be made on flexible substrates, which allows for the creation of flexible
displays that can be bent or curved.
Applications of QLED
Televisions and displays: QLED displays are commonly used in televisions, monitors,
smartphones, and other electronic devices. They offer superior image quality and color
accuracy compared to traditional LCD displays.
Lighting: QLEDs can also be used as a source of lighting in various applications, including
automotive lighting, street lighting, and architectural lighting. They offer energy-efficient and
highly customizable lighting options.
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Module 2: Materials for memory and display systems.
Medical imaging: QLEDs can be used in medical imaging applications, such as in MRI
machines, to produce high-resolution and accurate images.
Virtual and augmented reality: QLED displays are suitable for use in virtual and augmented
reality applications due to their ability to produce vibrant and accurate colours, which can
enhance the immersive experience.
Advertising displays: QLED displays can be used in advertising displays, such as digital
billboards and signage, to produce high-quality and eye-catching visuals.
Organic semiconductors offer a series of advantages over their inorganic counterparts such as
the possibility to fabricate light-weight and very thin devices, their processability on flexible and large-
area substrates and the ease of tuning their electrical and optical properties. Efficient and stable state-
of-the-art OLEDs are based on a multi-stack architecture of small molecular-weight components that
make use of injection layers or reactive metals for an efficient injection of electrons. The multi-layer
geometry is obtained by sequentially evaporating the active materials under high-vacuum conditions.
These devices require rigorous encapsulation to prevent degradation of the air-sensitive materials
supporting electron injection. As a result, production costs of OLEDs are considerable delaying their
large-scale market entry for lighting applications. OLEDs require multiple layers, some of them
processed by evaporation under high-vacuum conditions. Air-sensitive low work function metals or
electron injecting layers are needed for efficient charge carrier injection. LECs can be prepared from
just a single active layer. The movement of the ions in the layer under an applied bias allows for
efficient charge carrier injection from air-stable electrodes. Taken from The properties of OLEDs can
be drastically altered by mixing high concentrations of mobile ions with a conjugated polymer and a
solid electrolyte. They described the injection of electronic charges from the
metallic electrodes as electrochemical oxidation and reduction of the conjugated polymer, from which
the name of the new devices (light- emitting electrochemical cells or LECs) was derived. An ionic
transition-metal complex (iTMC) sandwiched in between two electrodes also leads to efficient
electroluminescence .
Operation mechanism
Two models have been proposed, the electrodynamic model (ED) and the electrochemical
doping model (ECD) and measurement results have been interpreted in either of them.
In the following, the current understanding of the functional principle of LECs is briefly
reviewed.
After applying an external bias, the first step in LEC operation involves a redistribution of the
ions in the active layer.
Driven by the electrical field, anions and cations migrate to the respective electrode interfaces
to form thin sheets of uncompensated charge referred to as electric double layers. The external
quantum efficiency (EQE) is determined by the fraction of electrons and holes that recombine
to form excitons (b), the exciton-to- photon generation efficiency (φ) and the amount of photons
that can escape the device or out coupling efficiency.
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Module 2: Materials for memory and display systems.
20
MODULE-III
CORROSION AND ELECTRODE SYSTEM
CORROSION
Introduction
Corrosion is defined as the destruction and consequent loss of metals through chemical or
electrochemical attack by the environment.
Ill effects of corrosion
Contamination of product
Damage of metallic equipments.
Inability to use metallic materials
Lose of valuable materials such as blockage of pipes, mechanical damage of underground
water pipes
Accidents due to mechanical loss of metallic bridges, cars, aircrafts etc.
Efficiency loss.
Equipment shut down due to corrosion failure and cost of replacing the corroded
equipment
Sudden failure of equipment due to corrosion can cause an explosion, fire, release of a
toxic product, and/or construction collapse which challenges the safety measures.
An escaping product from corroded equipment or corrosion product itself can cause
pollution hence may result serious health problems.
1
The electrons liberated at the anodic region migrate towards the cathodic region
constituting corrosion current. The metal ions liberated at the anode and some anions formed at
the cathode region diffuse towards each other through the conducting medium and form a
corrosion product somewhere between the anode and the cathode. Corrosion of metal continues
as long as both the anodic and cathodic reactions take place simultaneously.
Corrosion reactions:
At the anodic region:
At anodic region, iron is liberating Fe2+ ions and electrons,
Fe →Fe2+ +2e-
At the cathodic region:
The chemical species present in the surrounding of cathode under goes reduction by accepting
electrons coming through metal from the anodic region. Depending on the surrounding medium,
there are four possible reduction reactions at the cathodic region,
1) Hydrogen liberation takes place in the absence of oxygen.
(a) In acidic medium and in the absence of oxygen the cathodic reaction is
2H++2e-→H2↑
(b) In neutral or alkaline medium and in the absence of oxygen, hydroxide ions are
formed with simultaneous liberation of hydrogen
2H2O+2e- →2OH─+ H2
2) Absorption of oxygen takes place in the presence of oxygen.
(a) In acidic medium and in the presence of oxygen
2H+ +1/2O2 +2e- →H2O
(b) In neutral or alkaline medium and in the presence of oxygen hydroxide ions are
formed by the following reaction.
H2O+1/2O2 +2e- →2OH─
Corrosion of iron produces Fe2+ and OH─ ions at the anode and cathode sites respectively.
These ions diffuse towards each other to produce insoluble Fe (OH)2.
Fe2++2OH─→ Fe (OH) 2
. In an oxidizing environment it is oxidized to ferric oxide and the yellow rust is hydrated
ferric oxide.
4 Fe (OH) 2+ O2+2H2O →2 [Fe2O3. 3H2O] (rust)
2
In the presence of limited oxygen ferrous oxide is converted into magnetic oxide of iron
(Fe3O4) and is known as black rust.
3 Fe (OH) 2+1/2 O2→ [Fe3O4. 3H2O] (black rust)
Types of Corrosion:
(1) Differential metal corrosion (Galvanic corrosion)
(2) Differential Aeration corrosion
1. Differential metal Corrosion
Definition: When two dissimilar metals are in contact with each other a potential difference is
set up resulting in a galvanic current.
Principle: The two metals differ in their tendencies to undergo oxidation, the one with lower
electrode potential or the more active metal acts as anode and the one with higher electrode
potential acts as cathode. The anodic metal undergoes corrosion and the cathodic metal is
generally unattacked.
At the anode), Fe→ Fe2+ + ne-
At the cathode H2O + ½ O2 + 2e- → 2OH-
Fe2++2OH─→ Fe (OH) 2
2Fe (OH) 2+1/2O2+H2O → [Fe2O3. 3H2O] (rust)
Process: When two metals having different electrode potentials are in contact with each other in
the presence of an electrolyte, one metal acts as a cathode whereas the other acts as an anode.
This leads to an electrochemical reaction as a result of which, the anode is dissolved into the
electrolyte. Galvanic corrosion can only occur when there exists an electric conducting path
3
connecting the metals and when an electrolyte which can offer a channel for the migration of
ions is present.
Eg.:- 1. Part of the nail inside the wall, being exposed to lower oxygen concentration than the
exposed part, under goes corrosion.
2. Paper pins inside the paper gets corroded, and the exposed part is free from corrosion.
4
3. Metal under dirt, dust, scale or water undergoes corrosion.
Water line Corrosion:
Principle: Water line corrosion is a case of differential aeration corrosion. The water line
corrosion takes place due to the formation of differential oxygen concentration cells. The part of
the metal below the water line is exposed only to dissolved oxygen (acts as anode) while the part
above the water is exposed to higher oxygen concentration (acts as cathode) of the atmosphere.
A distinct brown line is formed below the water line due to deposition of rust.
At the anode (less O2 concentration), Fe → Fen+ + ne
At the cathode (more O2 concentration), H2O + ½ O2 + 2e- → 2OH-
Fe2++2OH─→ Fe (OH) 2
2Fe (OH) 2+1/2O2+H2O →[Fe2O3. 3H2O] (rust)
Examples:
(1) Ships that are left in the water for extended periods of time can be at risk of waterline
corrosion.
(2) Steel water tanks in which water is stored for a long period.
Corrosion Control
(a) Galvanisation
Galvanisation is a process of coating a base metal surface with Zinc metal. It is an anodic
coating which is produced by coating a base metal with more active metals which are anodic to
the base metal. Eg.: Iron is coated with anodic and active metals like Zn, Mg, and Al.
Galvanisation is carried out by hot dipping method.
5
The galvanization process involves the following steps.
(1) The metal surface is washed with organic solvents to remove organic matter on the
surface
(2) Rust and other deposits are removed by washing with dilute sulphuric acid.
(3) Finally the article is well washed with water and air-dried.
(4) The article is then dipped in a bath of molten zinc, maintained at 425 – 430C and
covered with a flux of ammonium chloride to prevent the oxidation of molten Zinc.
(5) The excess Zinc on the surface is removed by passing through a pair of hot rollers, which
wipes out excess of Zinc coating and produces a thin coating.
One advantage of gavanisation is that, even if the coating is ruptured, the base metal does not
undergo corrosion. The exposed surface of the metal is cathodic with respect to zinc. Therefore,
galvanisation is also known as sacrificial coating.
(b) Anodization
Anodization is generally produced on nonferrous metals like Al, Zn, Mg and their alloys
by anodic oxidation process. It is a type of inorganic coating where surface layer of the metal is
converted into a compound, by chemical or electrochemical reactions, which forms a barrier
between the underlying metal surface and the corrosion environment
In anodization of aluminium, clean, polished aluminium is taken as anode and immersed
in an electrolytic cell containing chromic acid. Inert electrodes like lead is generally used as
cathode. The anodic oxide film formed on Al in bath as aluminium oxide, which is porous. The
pores are finally sealed by dipping in hot water to produce Al2O3 .H2O, which acts as a non-
porous protective layer preventing corrosion.
Anode reaction: 2Al + 3H2O → Al2O3 + 6H+ +6e-
Cathode reaction: 6H+ + 6e- → 3H2
6
(c) Sacrificial anode method:
In this method, the protected metal structure is converted into a cathode by connecting it
to a more active metal. This active metal acts as an auxillary anode Zn, Mg and Al are the
common auxillary anodes and are more reactive undergo corrosion, protecting the metal
structure. Since the anodic metals are sacrificed to protect the metal structure, the method is
known as sacrificial anode method. Exhausted sacrificial anodes are replaced by new ones as and
when required.
Eg.;1. A magnesium block connected to a burried oil storage tank
1. Mg bars are fixed to the sides of ocean going ships to act as sacrificial anodes.
2. Mg blocks are connected to buried pipe lines.
Mg
Under
ground Mg Mg
steel Pipe line
tank
7
Corrosion Penetration Rate (CPR)
The Corrosion penetration rate is the speed at which any metal or alloy deteriorates in a specific
corrosive environment through chemical or electrochemical reactions. It is also defined as the
amount of weight loss per year in the thickness of metal or alloy due to corrosion. The Corrosion
penetration rate also referred as corrosion rate.
Corrosion penetration rate depends on following factors;
1. Nature of metal.
2. Nature of corrosive environment/medium.
3. Nature corrosion product.
4. Speed at which corrosion spreads in the inner portion of metal.
The Corrosion penetration rate is calculated using the following formula;
CPR =
Where,
W is weight loss after exposure time.
T is exposure time in corrosive medium.
D is the density of metal or alloy.
A is surface area of exposed specimen.
K is constant.
Numerical Problem on CPR:
1. A thick steel sheet of area 400 cm2 is exposed to air near the ocean. After one-year period it
was found to experience a weight loss 375 g due to corrosion. If the density of the brass is
7.9 g/cm2 calculate the corrosion penetrating rate in mpy and mmpy (given K= 534 in mpy
and 87.6 in mmpy).
To calculate CPR in mmpy:
K 534 87.6
8
A 400 cm 2 400 cm 2
t 1 year 1 x 365 x 24 hrs
CPR =
K 534
CPR =
2) Calculate the CPR in both mpy and mmpy for a thick steel sheet of area 100 inch2 which
experiences a weight loss of 485g after one year. (Density of steel=7.9g/cm3).
9
To calculate CPR in mmpy :
K 534 87.6
1inch2=6.45cm2
K 534 534
10
534 X 485 X 1000
7.9 x 100 x 365 x 24
= 37.424 mpy
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
Introduction
An Electrode can be defined as the point where current either enters or leaves the electrolyte or
circuit. When the current leaves the Electrode it is known as the cathode while when the current
enters the Electrode it is known as an anode.
Electrodes are the main component of electrochemical cells. An Electrode must be a good
conductor of electricity.
Types of electrodes:
11
An oxidation-Reduction electrode is the one in which the electrode potential arises from
the presence of oxidized and reduced forms of the same substance in solution. The
potential arises from the tendency of one form to change onto the other more stable form.
The potential developed is picked up by inert electrode like platinum.
Eg: Pt/Fe2+,Fe3+
6. Ion selective electrode: (Membrane electrode):
IN an ion selective electrode, a membrane is in contact with a solution, with which it can
exchange ions.
Eg: Glass electrode: (exchanges H+ ions with the solution)
Ion Selective Electrode
Glass Electrode:
Principle:
12
When two solutions of different hydrogen ion concentrations, ie different pH values are
separated by a thin glass membrane, there develops a potential difference between the two
surfaces of the glass membrane.
The potential developed is proportional to the difference in the pH values of the two solutions. If
the pH of the one solution is kept constant, the potential becomes proportional only to the pH of
the other solution. This is the basis of the glass electrode.
Construction:
The glass electrode consists of a glass bulb made up of a special type of glass with high electrical
conductivity. The composition of the glass membrane is approximately 22% Na2O, 6% CaO, and
72% SiO2. The glass bulb is filled with a solution of known pH (0.1M HCl) and is inserted with
an Ag-AgCl electrode, which is the internal reference electrode and also serves for the external
electrical contact. The electrode is dipped in a solution whose pH is to be determined (containing
H+ ions).
The glass electrode system can be represented as follows:
Ag/AgCl(s)/0.1MHCl/glass
When dipped in a solution of unknown pH, it can be represented as,
The exchange of ions by the inner and outer membrane gives rise to a boundary potential. This
boundary potential consists of two potential E1 and E2, which are associated with the outer and
inner membrane respectively.
Therefore,
From thermodynamic consideration it has been shown that E1 and E2 are related to the hydrogen
ion activities at each face, by Nernst like equation,
13
Where j1 and j2 are constants and a1 and a2 are activities of H+ in the outer and inner solution
respectively, a11 and a21 are the activities of H+ ions at the external and internal surface of the
glass membrane.
Since the glass at the inner solution and outer membrane are identical, j1 = j2 and also a11 = a21
Thus the boundary potential Eb depends only upon the hydrogen ion activities of the solutions.
Since the concentration of the inner solution is constant, a2 is constant. The above equation
simplifies to,
14
Where is a combination of three constant terms.
Asymmetric potential arises due to the difference in response of the inner and outer surface of
the glass bulb to changes in H+ ion activity. This may originate as a result of differing conditions
of strain in the two glass surfaces (due to difference in curvature). This asymmetric potential
varies with time and therefore, glass electrode must be standardized frequently by placing a
solution of known H+ activity (pH).
Applications
Glass electrodes have been utilized in a wide range of applications including pure
research, control of industrial processes.
Analysis of foods and cosmetics.
measurement of environmental indicators, and microelectrode measurements such as cell
membrane electrical potential.
The given glass electrode is dipped in the unknown solution containing hydrogen ions,
constitutes a half cell.
It is coupled with reference electrode (ex: saturated calomel electrode) through a salt bridge,
where calomel electrode forms an outer reference electrode.
Reference electrode:
The absolute value of single electrode potential cannot be measured since the metal and its
ions are in equilibrium. We can only measure the potential difference between two electrodes.
This can be done by choosing a reference electrode whose electrode potential is arbitrarily fixed
or known. This reference electrode can be combined with other electrodes to form a galvanic
cell. From the measured cell potential we can calculate the electrode potential of any particular
electrode, with reference to the reference electrode.
Definition: Reference electrode is an electrode whose electrode potential is arbitrarily fixed or
known and is reliable.
This can be used to measure the electrode potentials of other electrodes by constructing a
galvanic cell using the electrode tend the reference electrode.
Two types of reference electrodes:
1. Primary reference electrode, Example: Hydrogen gas electrode
2. Secondary reference electrode, Example: Calomel electrode and silver-silver electrode
Limitations of Primary Reference Electrode (Standard hydrogen electrode):
1.The equilibrium between the two processes is not reached quickly.
2.It is difficult to control the pressure of hydrogen gas at 1 atm.
16
3.The electrode cannot be easily setup.
4. The electrode gets poisoned by impurities
For the sake simplicity and to overcome the above difficulties, there was a need for the
development of secondary reference electrodes. The potentials of these electrodes are known on
the hydrogen scale and are used in place of hydrogen electrode. These electrodes can be easily
set up.
Calomel electrode:
17
at 298K
18
At the anode zinc gets converted into Zn2+ ions and goes into the solution liberating two
electrons.
There is no net cell reaction. At one electrode zinc atoms go into the solution and at the equal
number of zinc atoms are deposited. The emf of the cell is given by,
2.303 RT 2.303 RT
E cell log(C 2 ) log(C 1 )
nF nF
2.303 RT C 0.0591 C 2
E cell log 2 (or) E cell log ; at 298 K
nF C1 n C1
It is evident from the above expression that Ecell can be positive only if C2>C1.
Thus in a concentration cell, the electrode with lower electrolyte concentration acts as the anode
and the one with higher electrolyte concentration acts as the cathode. The concentration of ions
increases at the anode and decreases at the cathode when cell is in operation. The emf of the cell
is dependent on the ratio of electrolyte concentrations at two electrodes. Higher the ratio (C2/C1),
higher is the emf. Therefore, the cell can operate only as long as the concentration terms are
different. When the current is drawn from the cell, C1 increases and C2 decreases and as a result
the emf of the cell goes on decreasing and becomes zero when the two becomes equal.
Numerical Problems
19
0.086 = 0.0591 x 2 x log
x =0.0093M
x =0.0016M
Analytical Techniques
Analytical techniques are the techniques involved in the study of separation, identification and
quantification of chemical components of materials. Qualitative analysis and quantitative
analysis are the analytical techniques used to determine the identity of chemical species and
amount or concentration of species present in the sample respectively.
1. Conductometric titrations
Principle:
According to Ohm’s law, current (i) flowing in a conductor is directly proportional to emf (E)
and inversely proportional to resistance (R).
E
Therefore, i =
R
20
Or Siemen. The resistance of a homogeneous material of uniform cross section with an area of
‘a’sq.cm and length ‘l’ cm is given by,
Specific conductance:
Specific conductance is the conductance of a solution present between 2 parallel electrodes of
area 1cm2 which are kept 1cm apart.
1 l l
K= X a = cell constant
R a
The specific conductance of an electrolytic solution at any temperature depends on ions present
and hence varies with ionic concentration. On dilution, specific conductance decreases as no of
ions per ml also decrease.
Equivalent conductance is defined as the conductance of a solution containing one gram
equivalent weight of the electrolyte. It is denoted as γ. Molar conductance is defined as the
conductance of a solution containing one mole of an electrolyte. It is denoted as μ.
Instrumentation:
It consists of two platinum electrodes of unit area of cross-section placed unit distance apart. The
electrodes are dipped in electrolyte solution taken in a beaker. It is connected to a conductance
measuring device. The titrant is added from the burette and the solution is stirred. The
conductance is measured after the addition of the titrant at intervals of 0.5ml.
21
To, conductometer
Stirrer
Application
Titration of Weak acid v/s Strong base (Ex: CH3COOH Vs NaOH)
The conductance of the acid will be initially less since
conductance(mhocm-1)
acetic aided acid is a weak electrolyte. When NaOH is
added to the acid, the salt formed is highly ionized
because of this conductance increases.
CH3COOH + NaOH CH3COONa + H2O equivalence point
After the neutralization point, further addition of base
volume of strong base
(NaOH) increases the fast moving OH- ions. Hence the
conductance increases sharply. A plot of conductance against the volume of base added is shown
in the figure. The point of intersection of two curves gives the neutralization point.
2. Potentiometry
Principle:
Redox titrations can be carried out potentiometrically using platinum calomel electrode
combination in a manner similar to acid-base neutralizations. For the reaction,
Reduced form Oxidised form + n e-
The potential is given by;
o 0.0591 Oxidizedform
E E
n
log
Re ducedform
o 0.0591
Fe3
E E
n
log
Fe2
22
Where Eo is the standard potential of the system. The potential of the system is controlled by the
ratio of concentration of the oxidized and reduced form of the species present. As the reactions
proceed the ratio increases and reaches to a highest value at the end point.
Instrumentation:
To, potentiometer
Potentiometer consists of a reference
electrode (Saturated Calomel Electrode), Indicator electrode
Vol. of
K2Cr2O7 in Emf (mv) ∆E ∆V ∆E/∆V
ml
0.0
23
0.5 0.5
1.0 0.5
1.5 0.5
2.0 0.5
2.5 0.5
3.0 0.5
3.5 0.5
4.0 0.5
4.5 0.5
5.0 0.5
5.5 0.5
6.0 0.5
6.5 0.5
7.0 0.5
7.5 0.5
8.0 0.5
8.5 0.5
9.0 0.5
9.5 0.5
10.0 0.5
E
V
Volume of K2Cr2O7 required for the reaction = ……………… (V eq) ml (determined from
graph)
Normality of FAS solution, NFAS = NK2Cr2O7 x VK2Cr2O7
-----------------------------------
VFAS
=--------------------------N
24
Amount of FAS (iron) per litre = NFAS x Eq. wt. of FAS
= x 392
= -------------------- g
25
Module-4
A polymer is a giant or macro molecule formed by the repeated union of several simple
molecules called monomers. The repeating units (monomers) are linked through strong covalent
bonds.
Monomers
A monomer is a simple molecule having two or more bonding sites through which each can link
to the other monomers to form a polymer chain.
Types of polymerization
Addition polymerization (Chain polymerization)
The reaction in which a rapid self addition of several bifunctional monomers to each other takes
place by chain reaction without elimination of any by products.
addition
Eg: n H2C CH2
H2 C CH2
polymerization n
Ethene Polythene
addition
n H2C CH H2C CH
polymerization n
Cl Cl
Vinyl Chloride Poly vinyl chloride
addition
n F 2C CF 2
F2C CF2
polymerization n
Tetra fluoro ethene Teflon
As the polymers are made up of mixture of molecules having different properties, its molecular
weight can be determined in two different ways:
Number average molecular mass: (Mn) It is determined by measuring the colligative properties
such as freezing point depression, boiling point elevation, osmotic pressure and lowering of
vapour pressure. It is defined as total mass of all the molecules in a polymer sample divided by
total number of molecules present.
M n W N Ni
NiMi 𝑤 𝑁1𝑀1+𝑁2𝑀2+𝑁3𝑀3+⋯.
Mn = =
∑𝑁 𝑁1+𝑁2+𝑁3+⋯
proportion to their weight in the given material. It is obtained from light scattering and ultra
centrifugation technique which measures molecular size.I n the averaging process molecular
weight of each individual species is multiplied by weight and not by number.
MW
WiMi
Wi
Where Wi is the weight fraction of the molecules whose mass is Mi.
We have Wi = NiMi
MW
N M Mi i i
N Mi i
2
N M i i N Mi i
Problems:
1. A polymer sample contain 100 molecules of molecular mass 1000g/mol 200 molecules of
molecular mass 2000g/mol, 500 molecules of molecular mass 5000 g/mol. Calculate number
average and weight average molecular weight.
𝑤 𝑁1𝑀1+𝑁2𝑀2+𝑁3𝑀3+⋯.
Number average molecular weight= Mn = =
∑𝑁 𝑁1+𝑁2+𝑁3+⋯
100𝑋 1000+200𝑋2000+500𝑋5000
= 100+200+500
1𝑋105 +4𝑋 105 +25𝑋105
= 800
2. A polymer sample contains 5 molecules having molecular weight 2000, 4 molecules having
molecular weight 3000, 3 molecules having molecular weight 4000. Calculate number average
and weight average molecular weight.
𝑤 𝑁1𝑀1+𝑁2𝑀2+𝑁3𝑀3+⋯.
No. average molecular weight = Mn = =
∑𝑁 𝑁1+𝑁2+𝑁3+⋯
5𝑋 2000+4𝑋3000+3𝑋4000
= 5+4+3
10000+12000+12000
= 3+4+5
= 2833.3 g/mol
106 (20+36+48)
= = 3058.8 g/mol
103 (10+ 12+12
Conducting polymers:
An organic polymer with highly delocalized pi- electron system, having electrical conductance
of the order of a conductor is called a conducting polymer.
Synthesis:
The conducting polymers are synthesized by doping in which charged species are introduced in
organic polymers having pi- back bone. The important doping reactions are
1. Oxidative doping ( p-doping )
2. Reductive doping( n- doping )
3. Protonic acid doping ( p- doping )
Oxidative doping (p- doping): In this process pi- back bone of a polymer is partially oxidized
using a suitable oxidizing agent. This creates positively charged site on polymer backbone,
which are current carriers for conduction.
The oxidising agents used in p- doping are iodine vapour, iodine in CCl4, HBF4,
perchloric acid and benzoquine.
Mechanism of conduction in polyacetylene by Oxidative doping
CH2 Polyacetylene
H2C
I oxidation
I2 in CCl4
The removal of an electron from the polymer pi- back bone using a suitable oxidising agent leads
to the formation of delocalized radical ion called polaron. The second oxidation of the chain
containing polaron followed by radical recombination yields two charge carriers on each chain.
The positively charged sites on the polymer chains are compensated by anions I-3 formed by the
oxidising agent during doping.
The delocalized positive charges on the polymer chain are mobile, not the dopant
anions. Thus these delocalized positive charges are current carriers for conduction. These
charges must move from chain to chain as well as along the chain for bulk conduction.
Reductive doping (n- doping): In n- doping, pi back bone of a polymer is partially reduced by a
suitable reducing agent. This creates negatively charged sites on polymer backbone. These
negatively charged sites are responsible for the conduction. Reducing agent is solution of sodium
naphthalide in tetrahydrofuran
Mechanism of conduction in polyacetylene by Reductive doping
CH2 Polyacetylene
H2C
I reduction
Sodium naphthalide in THF
Recombination of radicals
Na+
CH2 Conducting
H2C Polyacetylene
Na+
The addition of an electron to the polymer backbone by using a reducing agent generates a
radical ion or polaron. A second reduction of chain containing polaron followed by the
recombination of radicals yields two charge carriers on each chain. These charged sites on the
polymer chains are compensated by cations (Na+ ions) formed by the reducing agent.
The negative charges on the polymer chains are mobile and are responsible for
conduction.
Applications
As electrode material for commercial rechargeable batteries(coin type batteries).
As conductive tracks on printed circuit boards.
As sensors-humidity sensor, gas sensor, radiation sensor, biosensor for glucose,galactose
etc.
In electrochromic display windows.
In information storage devices.
As film membranes for gas separations.
In light emitting diodes.
In fuel cells as the electro catalytic materials.
Graphene oxide:
Green Fuels:
Energy can neither be created nor be destroyed; it can only be changed from one form to another.
Thus, we cannot produce energy to do certain work. Therefore, we use certain substances which
help us to transform one form of energy into another form. Hence a fuel is defined as a
combustible substance, which on burning produces significant amount of heat which can be used
economically for industrial and domestic purposes.
Types of Fuels:
Green fuels are carbon-neutral or even carbon-free alternatives to fossil fuels. Produced
from hydrogen and electricity from renewable sources, they are seen as crucial to
decarbonize heavy industries, shipping or head generation in the future. In sectors, where
direct electrification is not feasible, green fuels allow a smooth transition from fossil to
sustainable energy sources – as they can be used in existing storage and propulsion
systems.
Past and future perspective of green fuels:
Due to their high energy density, green fuels are well suited for both transport and power
generation. However, their production is energy-intensive and not yet economically viable. Even
though they are being tried and tested extensively, there is still a lack of infrastructure for mass
production. Therefore, facilities have to be scaled-up to reduce costs, and renewable power
generation must be expanded.
Today, most hydrogen is not produced from carbon-neutral energy sources, but with natural gas
(gray hydrogen), coal (brown or black hydrogen), nuclear power (pink or red hydrogen) or from
fossil fuels combined with carbon capture (blue hydrogen). But in order to reduce the carbon
footprint, green hydrogen is paramount. Hydrogen requires storage and transportation at either
high-pressure or very low temperatures; conversion to other green fuels with higher energy
density can mitigate that issue.
SOLAR ENERGY
Introduction:
A wide range of power technologies exist which can make use of the solar energy
reaching earth and converting them into different useful forms of energy. Solar energy utilization
can be of two types, direct solar power and indirect solar power.
Direct solar power: It involves only one step transformation into a usable.
Ex: 1) Sun light hits photovoltaic cell (also called photoelectric cell) generating electricity.
2) Sun light hits the dark absorbing surface of a solar thermal collector and the surface warms.
The heat energy may be carried away by a fluid circuit.
Indirect Solar Power: It involves more than one transformation to reach a usable form.
Ex: 1) Vegetation uses photosynthesis to convert solar energy to chemical energy, which can
later be burnt as fuel to generate electricity (biofuel). Methane (natural gas) may be derived from
the biofuel.
Photovoltaic cells:
Introduction: Photovoltaic cells or solar cells are semiconductor devices that convert
sunlight into direct current electricity. As long as light is shining on the solar cell, it generates
electrical power. When the light stops, electricity stops.
Groups of photovoltaic cells are electrically configured into modules and arrays, which
can be used to charge batteries, operate motors and to power any number of electrical loads.
With the appropriate power conversion equipment, photovoltaic systems can produce alternating
current (AC) compatible with any conventional appliances.
All electromagnetic radiations including sunlight consist of particles called photons. The
photons carry a certain amount of energy given by E = hc/λ
Where h is Planck’s constant, c is the velocity of light, λ is the wave length of radiation.
When electromagnetic radiation (sunlight) is incident normal to the plane of the solar cell, the
photons which possess energy sufficient to overcome the barrier potential are absorbed &
electron-hole pairs are formed. Electrons are driven out into the external circuit & could be
stored & used for various applications.
Solar energy is the energy which has a greatest potential of acting as alternate source of energy
because of the reason that the reserves of fossil fuels are very limited and are depleted very fast.
Advantages:
1) Fuel source is vast and essentially infinite.
2) No emission, no combustion or radioactive residues for disposal. Does not contribute to global
climate change or pollution.
3) Low operating costs (no fuel).
4) No moving parts and no wear or tear.
5) Quick installation
6) High public acceptance and excellent safety record.
Disadvantages:
1) Sunlight is a diffuse source; i.e. it is relatively low density energy.
2) High installation costs.
3) Energy can be produced only during the day time.
Green hydrogen:
Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and nonpoisonous gas under normal conditions on
Earth. It typically exists as a diatomic molecule, meaning each molecule has two atoms of
hydrogen; this is why pure hydrogen is commonly expressed as “H2”. Hydrogen is the most
abundant element in the universe, accounting for 90 percent of the universe by weight. However,
it is not commonly found in its pure form, since it readily combines with other elements. It is
also the lightest element, having a density of 0.08988 grams per liter at standard pressure.
Hydrogen has several important chemical properties that affect its use as a fuel:
It combines with oxygen to form water, which is absolutely necessary for life on this
planet.
It has a high energy content per weight (nearly 3 times as much as gasoline), but the energy
density per volume is quite low at standard temperature and pressure. Volumetric energy
density can be increased by storing the hydrogen under increased pressure or storing it at
extremely low temperatures as a liquid. Hydrogen can also be adsorbed into metal
hydrides.
Hydrogen is highly flammable; it only takes a small amount of energy to ignite it and make
it burn. It also has a wide flammability range, meaning it can burn when it makes up 4 to 74
percent of the air by volume.
Hydrogen burns with a pale-blue, almost-invisible flame, making hydrogen fires difficult to
see.
The combustion of hydrogen does not produce carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate, or sulfur
emissions. It can produce nitrous oxide (NOX) emissions under some conditions.
Hydrogen can be produced from renewable resources, such as by reforming ethanol (this
process emits some carbon dioxide) and by the electrolysis of water (electrolysis is very
expensive).
Green hydrogen is the most basic electrofuels (e-fuels). It is created by splitting water (H2O) into
oxygen (O) and hydrogen (H2) in a process called electrolysis, using power from renewables.
Hydrogen can then be used either directly as fuel e.g. for internal combustion engines – or as
core component for the synthesis of other green fuels such as ammonia (with nitrogen) or
methanol, SNG (with carbon, captured from the air, biomass or industrial plants' exhaust gases).
The cell potential of electrolysis of pure water is negative and hence is thermodynamically
unfavourable. Because of the low concentration of ions and the interfaces to be crossed electrons
an extra voltage (Overvoltage) at each electrode is needed to about 0.6V. In practice, continuous
electrolysis of pure water is possible only at an external voltage of 2.4V. Since the electrolysis of
pure water is thermodynamically non-feasible, methods to make it kinetically feasible are being
investigated. One of the methods is to increase the conductivity by increasing the number of ions
available by adding acid, base, or non-reacting salts.
Additional hydroxyl ions, release their electrons to anode, while electrons at the cathode oxidize
water molecules near it.
Half reactions of electrolysis in the presence of a base are-
Like electrolysis in an acid medium, electrolysis in the basic medium also needs much lower
potential.
In PEM water electrolysis, water is electrochemically split into hydrogen and oxygen at
their respective electrodes such as hydrogen at the cathode and oxygen at the anode. PEM
water electrolysis is accrued by pumping of water to the anode where it is spilt into
oxygen (O2), protons (H+ ) and electrons (e). These protons are traveled via proton
conducting membrane to the cathode side. The electrons exit from the anode through the
external power circuit, which provides the driving force (cell voltage) for the reaction. At
the cathode side the protons and electrons re-combine to produce the hydrogen, the
following mechanism as shown in Figure. Typically, in PEM water electrolysis noble
metal based electrocatalysts are used such as Pt/Pd-based catalysts as cathode towards the
hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and RuO2/IrO2 catalysts as anode for oxygen
evolution reaction (OER).
Advantages of PEM water electrolysis:
1. PEM water electrolysis has great advantages such as compact design.
2. High current density (above 2 A cm-2)
3. High efficiency, fast response, small footprint.
4. Operates under lower temperatures (20–80oC) and produced ultrapure hydrogen
and also produced oxygen as a byproduct.
MODULE V
E-WASTE MANAGEMENT
E waste:
All electronics and electrical items which is discarded on completion of their useful life together
is called as E-waste
Sources of E-Waste:
Composition
1. E-waste contains about 65% of iron, steel, and other metallic materials including costly
metals like platinum, gold, silver, and toxic metals like lead mercury, cadmium,
chromium etc.
2. E-waste contains about 21% of polymeric non biodegrable materials including PVC (poly
vinyl chlorides), polychlorinated biphenyl and brominated flame retardant plastics.
3. E-waste also contains about 11.8 % of CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and LCD screen and
other materials like glass and ceramics.
Characteristics of e Waste
E waste contains hazardous substances such as lead, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),
polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), mercury, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs),
brominated flame retardants (BFRs), and toxic metal like mercury, lead, cadmium,
chromium as well as valuable substances such as iron, steel, copper, aluminum, gold,
silver, platinum, palladium, and plastics.
Hazardous substances like plastic, lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic etc. pose health
hazards on the human being to the most when treated in uncontrolled condition via air,
water and soil. The people engaged in the recycling and recovery from the e waste are
severely affected with chronic and acute diseases like cancer etc.
Also it results loss of metals whose quantities are limited in the earth’s crust. Due to these
facts, proper efficient E-waste management is required for the recovery and reuse of
components of E- wastes
These include
1. Heavy metals like Cd, Cr, Pb and Hg
Applied Chemistry for CSEStream(22CHES12) 2
MODULE V
monitor panel
Cadmium Chip resistors Accumulate in kidney and liver, causes nerval damage
and
semiconductors
The first step involves physical removal of toxic materials and unwanted components
Manual dismantling and separation of components such as PCBs, monitors, batteries etc into
various fractions like metals, ceramics, plastics, wood and paper using hammer, screwdrivers
and conveyer beds for disassembling.
Next the waste is passed through electrical separators to separate metallic and nonmetallic
components.
HYDROMETALLURGY METHOD
There are 3 stages in metal recovery by hydrometallurgy method
1. Pretreatment stage
2. Chemical treatment stage
3. Metal recovery stage
1. Pretreatment stage
In the pretreatment step, E- waste is manually dismantled to separate various fractions like
metals, ceramics, plastics, papers and wood. The technique such as gravity separation,
electrostatic separation, magnetic separation and eddy current separation are used to separate
metals from other fractions.
2. Chemical treatment stage
In this method metals are leached into solutions by treating with different leaching reagents.
The techniques are given below
a. Cyanide leaching
Even though cyanide solutions are toxic, they are mainly used to leach gold metals. Sodium salts of 3-
nitrobenzene sulphonic acid with KCN in the presence of oxygen are used to extract gold.
Nitric acids, sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acids are used for leaching of targeted metals. Organic acids
such ascorbic acid acetic acids and citric acids are used to leach light metals from batteries and mobile
devices.
c. Thiosulphate leaching
Thiosulphate is used as alternative leaching agent for the recovery of precious metals like gold and silver.
Ammonium thiosulphate solution is used to solubilize gold, silver, platinum and other precious metals in
form of anionic stable complex. This reagent is safe nontoxic, non-corrosive and metal can be recovered
from the complex.
d. Thiourea leaching
Thiourea forms a cationic soluble complex with target metal.Thiourea gives quick rates of leaching less
interference of ions, is environmentally friendly, and has low cost. In printed circuit boards, the gold and
silver selectively forms a metal-thiourea cationic complex.
e. Halide leaching
Chloride, bromide and iodide ions can be used to leach gold from the PCB waste. They are cheaper,
selective to the target and ideal leaching agent
a) Solvent extraction
In this method leaching solution is treated with an organic solvent in a separating funnel. it
results in two phase system. Metal is extracted from leached solution phase to organic phase.
b) Electrodeposition:
In this method pure metal is obtained from leached solution by electro deposition. Pure metal is
used as cathode and inert metal is used as anode is dipped leached solution. When current is
applied pure metal is electrodeposited on cathode.
Example: lead, tin and copper from PCBs can be recovered by electrodeposition.
c) Adsorption
Applied Chemistry for CSEStream(22CHES12) 5
MODULE V
Metal can be leached from the leached solution by adsorption on appropriate adsorbemt.
Activated carbon is founf to be effective adsorbent.Example: Adsorption of gold complex on
activated carbon is effective, cost effective process.
d) Ion exchange
This is improved version of solvent extraction method. Solvent extracting reagents are
impregnated on polymer beads. The functional groups of reagents act as chelating groups and
selectively bind to the metals. This method is used for selective recovery of the desired metal
ions. Ion exchange resins have found effective in recovering gold from cyanide and thisulphate
leach solutions
PYROMETALLURGICAL PROCESS
Pyrometallurgy process is used to extract pure nonferrous and precious metals from e-waste. The
methods require high temperature to reduce /extract metals. Smelting, incineration, combustion,
pyrolysis, and molten salt process are the main pyrometallurgical methods employed for
recovery of metals of e-waste .
1. Smelting
Copper smelting is commonly used for recovery of nonferrous metal fractions from e-waste.
The processed scrap after preliminary stage contains mainly Iron, Aluminium, Copper, Lead,
Tin, antimony, Zinc and precious metals as metallic constituents. The mixture is fed to high
temperature furnace of copper smelters. The copper metal is converted to liquid copper. The
impure copper undergoes electro refining process to get pure copper (99.99 %). The precious and
valuable metals like Au, Pt, Lead, Tin and antimony are recovered from sludge with high
recovery rates of 90% using hydrometallurgical process. Here iron, silicon and aluminium are
not recovered but are collected as slag.
2. Combustion
It is a low technology, low-cost method which focuses on recovery of precious metals. The
ewaste is subjected to open burning in uncontrolled manner which releases all sorts of pollutants
into atmosphere. The method is highly dangerous for the environment and also increases the
health risk of all the workers involved in it.
3. Incineration
It is a controlled combustion of waste with suitable emission units. The incinerator has two
connected furnaces. In first furnace e-waste is burnt at temperature 800oC and in second furnace
Applied Chemistry for CSEStream(22CHES12) 6
MODULE V
for gaseous products of the first incinerator are further oxidised at 1110oC. Heavy metals and fly
ash are collected at the bottom. Hydrometallurgical process is used for further recovery of
metals. These methods are not advisable due to pollutant gas emission and low metal recycling
performance.
4. Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis is a thermal decomposition of e-waste at higher temperature in an oxygen free
environment. During pyrolysis irreversible thermal decomposition reactions takes place leading
to the formation of low molecular weight products (gases and Liquids) at temperature between
450oC and 1100oC. The gases, chars and oils produced have an economic value and can be used
as fuel. The metallic components can be separated by separation. The process also involves
release of toxic halogens along with flue gases into atmosphere.
refurbished active material. Presently direct recycling of lithiumion batteries is studied. Here
battery is discharged first to ovoid short circuiting and selfignition of battery and dismantled to
separate anode, cathode, electrolyte and separated.
These components are not dismantled further. Here each component is regenerated using
appropriate process to recover its function. These components are reassembled for reuse.
Gold metal has good electric conductivity and chemical stability and hence it is used for making
integrated circuits of electronic devices, coating for contacts and connectors. E-wase contains 10
times more excessive concentration of gold compared to gold ores. Among the E waste PCBs are
rich in metals. It contains around 35% of Cu, 0.16% Ag, and 0.13% gold by weight. Several
methods are pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, biometallurgy, microwave treatment etc are
employed to recover precious, metals from E-waste. Among these, recovery of metals
hydrometallurgy is more economical.
The e-waste management program is designed by statutory government regulatory bodies. The
members of the body frame the policies and execute it for protection of the environment. To
achieve the plan of management of e-waste a green tax is collected from consumer through
manufacturer. Penalties are implied on manufacturer and consumers when green tax is not paid.
Manufacturing units must support the agenda of e-waste management by doing dismantling
processing of e-waste, management of scarp materials and reselling of recycled materials.
Consumer must pay green and must be aware of importance of e-waste management. All
stakeholders must effectively work in tandem form for effective e-waste management.
There are four stakeholders in environmental management of e-waste. They are as follows.
1. Statutory Government Regulatory bodies.
2. Producers (Manufacturing units).
3. Recyclers (Recycling units and collection units)
4. Consumers.
1. Statutory government Regulatory bodies
The statutory bodies play a Vitol role in management of e-waste. Main roles are:
c) Forming the group of manufactures who monitor and encourage the recycling of e-
waste.
d) Bearing the transportation cost and collection fees to ease collection process.
e) Purchase the recycling material at fixed value and using of recycled e-waste during
manufacturing.
b) Establish collection units and group of people who can ensure return back of eproducts
by consumer in exchange offer or directly approach consumer for door-todoor collection.