Pourbaix Diagrams in Electrochemical Systems

Understanding how materials behave under different chemical and electrical conditions is crucial for modern energy technology, corrosion prevention, and chemical engineering. This course provides a clear, step-by-step guide to mastering Pourbaix (potential-pH) diagrams, the foundational maps used to predict phase stability in aqueous environments. You will start with core thermodynamic principles before learning to interpret and construct these vital electrochemical tools. By completing this text-based course, you will gain the confidence to analyze complex chemical systems and predict how metals and compounds react in real-world environments. What you'll learn: - Understand the foundational thermodynamic principles of electrochemical equilibrium and the Nernst equation - Read and interpret Pourbaix diagrams to determine regions of immunity, corrosion, and passivation - Construct simplified potential-pH diagrams using thermodynamic data and half-cell equations - Apply Pourbaix principles to modern engineering challenges, including battery design, water splitting, and corrosion protection - Analyze the kinetic limitations and deviations from idealized thermodynamic predictions in real-world systems This course begins with basic definitions of oxidation-reduction reactions, chemical potentials, and pH scales. You will then progress through the systematic construction of diagrams, examining horizontal, vertical, and sloping boundary lines, before exploring modern industrial applications and computational tools used to generate these diagrams today. This course is designed for chemistry students, materials science enthusiasts, and junior engineers looking for a clear, accessible introduction to electrochemical thermodynamics. No advanced background in electrochemistry is required.