SCIENTIFIC ELECTROCHEMICAL SCHOOL OF KYIV

Abstract

An overview dedicates to the directions of scientific research and achieved results in the field of electrochemistry, initiated by scientific institutions and in higher educational institutions of Kyiv. Academician O.V. Plotnikov is the forerunner of the world- known Kyiv School of Electrochemistry, formed in the last century's twenties: M.I. Usanovych, V.O. Izbekov, Ya.A. Fialkov, Yu.K. Delimarskyi, I.A. Sheka, and many other scientists known to the general scientific community. O.V. Plotnikov and his followers are one of the first to attempt to combine the most progressive theoretical provisions on electrolytic dissociation, the chemical theory of solutions, and the chemistry of complex compounds for that time. World achievements of the Kyiv School of Electrochemistry were provided by the results of such fundamental research as the chemical theory of solutions, acid-base interactions (Usanovich's theory), the structure of the electric double layer (the Yesin-Markov effect, the reduced Antropov scale of potentials), physical chemistry and electrochemistry of molten electrolytes, kine­tics electrode processes, electrometallurgy, electrochemical materials science, electrochemical power engineering.  Representatives of our School significantly expanded the knowledge of mass transfer in electrochemical systems with molten electrolytes (the phenomenon of the transfer of metals from the anode to the cathode). New technological processes of obtaining and refining heavy non-ferrous metals (bismuth, lead, indium, etc.), finishing metal surfaces, extraction of radionuclides, electroplating technology, and environmental monitoring have been introduced into the practice of industrial production. Research in electrochemical materials science is closely connected to solving the problems of electrochemical energy, particularly, the creation of new sources of current, including solid-state, hydrogen generators, and converters of solar energy into electrical power. The studies of electrochemical aspects of the extraction of some refractory metals from natural raw materials, the creation of new materials with specified functional properties, catalysts, and electrocatalysts, the latest galvanic coatings, electrode and electrolyte materials for chemical current sources and supercapacitors, valuable inorganic compounds, metal and carbon nanophases, corrosion inhibitors are expanding the scientific direction of elect­rochemical materials science.