Mediaspace scheduled maintenance: Aug 25, 2026 07:00 - 12:00 AM. During this time, videos will be temporarily unavailable. Check status updates.

Lecture

Butler-Volmer Equation: Simplifications and Interpretations

In course

ChE-407: Electrochemical engineering

This course builds upon the underlying theory in thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and transport and applies these methods to electrosynthesis, fuel cell, and battery applications. Special focus is placed on addressing current challenges in state-of-the-a ...

Description

This lecture covers the Butler-Volmer equation and its simplifications, such as the Tafel kinetics and the Arrhenius relationship. It explains the interpretation of the frequency factor kº and its impact on reaction rates. The lecture also delves into the effect of equilibrium reference potential on the Butler-Volmer equation, mass transport contributions, and the physiochemical interpretations of various parameters involved in electrochemical reactions.

Instructors (2)

Nikolaos Vlachopoulos

Ardemis Anoush Boghossian

Official source

Ontological neighbourhood

Chemistry

Physical chemistry: Electrochemistry

Related concepts (32)

Tafel equation

The Tafel equation is an equation in electrochemical kinetics relating the rate of an electrochemical reaction to the overpotential. The Tafel equation was first deduced experimentally and was later shown to have a theoretical justification. The equation is named after Swiss chemist Julius Tafel." It describes how the electrical current through an electrode depends on the voltage difference between the electrode and the bulk electrolyte for a simple, unimolecular redox reaction ".

Electrochemical kinetics

Electrochemical kinetics is the field of electrochemistry that studies the rate of electrochemical processes. This includes the study of how process conditions, such as concentration and electric potential, influence the rate of oxidation and reduction (redox) reactions that occur at the surface of an electrode, as well as an investigation into electrochemical reaction mechanisms.

Voltammetry

Voltammetry is a category of electroanalytical methods used in analytical chemistry and various industrial processes. In voltammetry, information about an analyte is obtained by measuring the current as the potential is varied. The analytical data for a voltammetric experiment comes in the form of a voltammogram which plots the current produced by the analyte versus the potential of the working electrode. Voltammetry is the study of current as a function of applied potential.

Reduction potential

Redox potential (also known as oxidation / reduction potential, ORP, pe, , or ) is a measure of the tendency of a chemical species to acquire electrons from or lose electrons to an electrode and thereby be reduced or oxidised respectively. Redox potential is expressed in volts (V). Each species has its own intrinsic redox potential; for example, the more positive the reduction potential (reduction potential is more often used due to general formalism in electrochemistry), the greater the species' affinity for electrons and tendency to be reduced.

Standard electrode potential

In electrochemistry, standard electrode potential , or , is a measure of the reducing power of any element or compound. The IUPAC "Gold Book" defines it as: "the value of the standard emf (electromotive force) of a cell in which molecular hydrogen under standard pressure is oxidized to solvated protons at the left-hand electrode". The basis for an electrochemical cell, such as the galvanic cell, is always a redox reaction which can be broken down into two half-reactions: oxidation at anode (loss of electron) and reduction at cathode (gain of electron).

Related lectures (32)

Electrochemistry Fundamentals

Covers the fundamentals of electrochemistry, focusing on cell potential, current production, and the relationship between current and reactant conversion.

Dynamic Electrochemistry: Butler-Volmer Equation

Explores the Butler-Volmer equation and its role in electrochemistry applications.

Hydrogen Economy: Fuel Cells and Electrochemistry

Explores fuel cells, electrocatalysis, and the hydrogen economy, emphasizing energy efficiency and challenges in catalyst materials.

Chemical Reaction Mechanisms: Chain React

Explores reaction mechanisms, chain reactions, catalysis, enzyme catalysis, galvanic cells, and electromotive force in batteries.

Mass Transport in Butler-Volmer Equation