This user friendly introduction highlights the importance of electrochemistry and its applications to the modern world and the future. In contrast to other texts currently available, it emphasises understanding and avoids using many pages of complex equations. It also describes the diverse applications of electrochemistry rather than focusing on analytical chemistry alone. Although the book follows a similar structure to the first edition, the earlier chapters have been extensively up-dated and the later chapters are entirely new. The text is supported by a large number of figures which illustrate key points. The book starts by describing the essential electrochemical techniques before moving on to cover experimental problems and applications. To reflect the present interest in fuel cells and the environment, these have become the focus of the final chapters. A useful appendix contains problems with fully worked answers to test the reader's understanding.
Derek Pletcher studied chemistry at the University of Sheffield, obtaining his BSc in 1967 and PhD in 1967. He then came to Southampton as a founder member of the Electrochemistry Group initially led by Martin Fleischmann. He has remained in Southampton since, becoming a Professor in 1993. His research has focused on understanding electrode reactions and electrochemical systems, particularly those exploited in industrial processes. Funding has come from Industry as well as the Research Councils and he has been widely involved in joint research programmes and consulting with companies/associates in Europe and North America. His association with more than 80 postgraduate students from all parts of the world has led to some 330 papers, 30 reviews and lectures at International Conferences in Europe North America, South America, South Africa, Japan and Pakistan. Derek Pletcher is an ex-Editor of the Journal of Applied Electrochemistry and continues to serve on its Editorial Board as well as that for Electrochemical Communications. He has also contributed to the work of the Electrochemistry Group of the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Electrochemical Technology Group of the Society of Chemical Industry, the International Society of Electrochemistry and the Electrochemical Society. In 2005, he was elected a Fellow of the US Electrochemical Society and he is to receive the 2006 Henry B Linford Award of the US Electrochemical Society at their Spring meeting in Denver, Colorado in May 2006.
