Standard Reduction Potentials to Know for Electrochemistry

Standard reduction potentials (E°) are key in electrochemistry, measuring how likely a species is to gain electrons. Understanding E° helps predict redox reactions, calculate cell potentials, and explore the behavior of electrochemical cells and batteries.

1. Definition of standard reduction potential

   • Standard reduction potential (E°) measures the tendency of a chemical species to gain electrons and be reduced.
   • It is expressed in volts (V) and is determined under standard conditions (1 M concentration, 1 atm pressure, 25°C).
   • A higher E° value indicates a greater likelihood of reduction occurring.

2. Standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) as reference

   • The SHE is assigned a standard reduction potential of 0.00 V and serves as the reference point for all other half-reactions.
   • It consists of a platinum electrode in contact with hydrogen gas at 1 atm and a solution of H⁺ ions at 1 M concentration.
   • The SHE allows for the comparison of the reduction potentials of different half-reactions.

3. Electrochemical series

   • The electrochemical series is a list of standard reduction potentials for various half-reactions, arranged from highest to lowest E° values.
   • It helps predict the direction of redox reactions; species with higher E° values will be reduced, while those with lower values will be oxidized.
   • The series is crucial for understanding the relative strengths of oxidizing and reducing agents.

4. Predicting spontaneous redox reactions

   • A redox reaction is spontaneous if the overall cell potential (E°cell) is positive, indicating that the reaction can occur without external energy.
   • To determine spontaneity, calculate E°cell by subtracting the reduction potential of the anode from that of the cathode.
   • The reaction will proceed in the direction that produces a positive E°cell.

5. Calculating cell potential (EMF)

   • The electromotive force (EMF) or cell potential (E°cell) is calculated using the formula: E°cell = E°cathode - E°anode.
   • The cell potential indicates the maximum voltage the electrochemical cell can produce.
   • A positive E°cell signifies a spontaneous reaction, while a negative value indicates non-spontaneity.

6. Nernst equation

   • The Nernst equation relates the cell potential to the concentrations of reactants and products: E = E° - (RT/nF) ln(Q).
   • R is the universal gas constant, T is the temperature in Kelvin, n is the number of moles of electrons transferred, and F is Faraday's constant.
   • It allows for the calculation of cell potential under non-standard conditions, taking into account concentration changes.

7. Relationship between Gibbs free energy and cell potential

   • The relationship is given by the equation: ΔG° = -nFE°cell, where ΔG° is the change in Gibbs free energy.
   • A negative ΔG° indicates a spontaneous reaction, corresponding to a positive E°cell.
   • This relationship highlights the connection between thermodynamics and electrochemistry.

8. Concentration cells

   • Concentration cells are a type of electrochemical cell where both electrodes are made of the same material but are in different concentration solutions.
   • The cell potential arises from the difference in concentration, driving the spontaneous flow of electrons from the higher concentration to the lower concentration.
   • The Nernst equation can be used to calculate the EMF of concentration cells.

9. Corrosion and its prevention

   • Corrosion is an electrochemical process where metals oxidize, leading to deterioration, often accelerated by moisture and electrolytes.
   • Prevention methods include coating metals with protective layers, using sacrificial anodes, and applying corrosion inhibitors.
   • Understanding redox reactions is essential for developing effective corrosion prevention strategies.

10. Electrochemical cells and batteries

    • Electrochemical cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy through redox reactions.
    • Batteries are composed of one or more electrochemical cells and are classified as primary (non-rechargeable) or secondary (rechargeable).
    • The performance and efficiency of batteries depend on the materials used and the design of the electrochemical cells.