Electrometallurgical Processes

The course develops the basic principles of electrochemistry and the techniques of analysis of electrochemical systems aiming at their application for the analysis, development and design of electrometallurgical processes. It is accompanied by a series of laboratory exercises aimed at consolidating and understanding the theoretical principles of electrochemistry. The course focuses on both applications in aqueous electrolyte solutions and applications of electrolysis in molten salts which are the method of production of many active metals such as aluminium and magnesium.
The course includes: Introduction to electrometallurgy and fundamental principles of electrochemistry (Electrodes and electrode reactions, Electrochemical cells and potentials, Nernst equation, Faraday Law, Power efficiency, Special energy consumption), Electrochemical Techniques with laboratory exercises (Potentiometry, Voltammetry, Conductivity measurements), Kinetics of electrode reactions (Tafel Law) and Applications in Metallurgy (Electrowinning and Electrorefining of metals).