ELECTRODICS AND ELECTROCATALYSIS

EL8502 – October 2020

Time: 1 hr 30 mins Maximum: 40 marks

PART A (5  2 = 10 marks)
Answer all questions
1. Draw Nyquist plots for a single electron transfer reversible diffusion controlled and charge
transfer controlled processes along with their suitable equivalent circuits.
2. Define potentiometric selectivity coefficient with an example.
3. Impedance response of Zn/Zn2+ redox couple recorded in an aqueous solution of 1M NaClO4
and 1mM perchloric acid using a disc shaped Au electrode in the frequency range of 20 Hz
to 20 kHz exhibits a resistance value of 0.5  cm2 at 20 kHz and the other intercept on X-
axis provides a resistance value of 3.15  cm2. Given that CZn=CZn2+= 8 µmoles/cm3,  =
0.5 and Zmax observed at 1 kHz is 1.45  cm2. Calculate the charge transfer resistance (Rct)
and capacitance associated with this process.
4. What do you mean by ideally polarizable and non-plolarizable electrodes? Write one
examples for each.
5. Define the term electrical double Layer (EDL).

PART B (3 × 10 = 30 marks)
Answer all questions
1. (a) Derive the expressions and sketch the relations for input (E) and output (I) ac signals
when the circuits containing resistor only, capacitor only and a series combination of resistor
and capacitor are employed. (5)
(b) Derive the expressions for kinetic parameters such as charge transfer resistance (R ct),
electron transfer rate constant (ket), O, R and  from the Faradaic impedance. (5)
2. (a) Define ion-selective electrode and explain the working principle of pH electrode with a
neat sketch. (5)
(b) Derive Lippman equation for liquid metal interface. (5)
3. Explain the following.
(i) Helmholtz double layer and (ii) Gouy-Chapman double layer.