Fundamentals of electrochemistry(II)——Thermodynamic equilibrium and Nernst equation

Nernst Equation provides a quantitative relationship between the reversible potential of the electrode/cell,the standard electrode potential and the reactant activity.It is one of the most fundamental theories for the modern electrochemical engineering.Nernst Equation is an alternative formulation of thermodynamic equilibrium applicable to electrochemical reaction processes,and as a result,has been widely used in many industrial fields,including chemical power,anti-corrosion of metals,electrochemical analysis methods and so on.This paper reviews the background of Nernst's experiments,and Nernst's approaches to problems,which,in our view should benefit future research and development of electrochemical engineering.