“Electrochemistry is Everywhere”

with Dr. Cory Rusinek

Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Electrochemical cells play a significant role in everyday life. This role is ever expanding in many areas – electric cars, solar cells, space exploration, nuclear energy, and water disinfection are just a few. To highlight this, the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was actually awarded to the three electrochemists who executed the foundational work for the lithium-ion battery. This presentation will give a broad overview of electrochemical technologies as they pertain to three essential areas – energy, environment, and health. With respect to energy, utilization in batteries, solar, and nuclear will all be discussed. For environment and health, electrolysis cells, sensors, and some household applications will all be shown. Lastly, the electrochemist’s part to play in space exploration will be investigated. In general, attendees will ‘walk’ away from this presentation with a greater understanding and appreciation for electrochemistry in modern society.