Electrochemistry: Making Molecules with Electricity with Professor Thomas Wirth from Cardiff University
November 23 @ 10:10 - 10:55
This interactive session introduces electrochemistry as a powerful tool for organic synthesis, with a particular focus on flow electrochemistry.
Participants will revisit oxidation, reduction and electron transfer before exploring how electrodes can drive organic transformations without relying on conventional chemical oxidising or reducing agents. The session then introduces flow chemistry, demonstrating how continuously moving reactants through an electrochemical reactor provides control over reaction time, heat transfer and reaction conditions.
Through examples and problem-solving activities, participants will investigate the electrochemical oxidation and reduction of organic molecules and explore the concept of residence time. The session concludes by considering how flow electrochemistry may contribute to safer, more efficient and more sustainable chemical manufacturing, while recognising that electrochemical processes are not automatically green.
Participants will leave with an understanding of how electricity, organic synthesis and chemical engineering can be combined to design modern synthetic processes..
Lecturer Profile: Professor Thomas Wirth
Our events are designed so that a group of students can take part from a classroom, or students and teachers can take part as individuals, either from school or from home. There is no charge to take part.
As a live, participative event, this session will not be recorded but slides will be shared, where available.
Suitable for: Aged 16+ pre-university students studying or with an interest in studying Chemistry and related subjects. Teachers and members of school staff, as always, are welcome too and participants can join as individuals from school/college or home, or as a group from school/college.
Preparation/Pre-Reading: Students may wish to consider the topic and discuss some of the key elements in advance. Students can also think about questions they have about studying at university level.
The IT Setup: The event will be run on Zoom and participants will be able to join using laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. If you are joining as a school group, we recommend connecting with one device and projecting onto a whiteboard. You will be able to interact with the university via a microphone and/or typed comments and questions. Full details will be sent to those who have registered (see below) prior to the event.
Booking a Place: This is free for schools and colleges. If you would like to take part in this event, please register your interest using the link to the registration form below: