Abstract The abstract concepts, massive formulas and classical conclusions in the course of physical chemistry make the undergraduates feel that this course may be useless for the cutting-edge research. In order to overcome this false impression, we try to reform the teaching by combining the course with cutting-edge research. The main examples include the following three aspects:(1) The application of △G criterion to analyze the thermodynamic requirements of water splitting reactions for hydrogen generation under light or electricity; (2) The application of interionic attraction theory and electric double layer theory to explain the ion selectivity of nanopores; (3) The derivation of the electromotive force of concentration cells using the concept of chemical potential and electrochemical potential. This exploration on the role of fundamental principles in cutting-edge research broadens the students' horizons and interests in learning, which results in an improvement in the teaching effect.
LIU Zhao-Yue. Improving Teaching Effect of Physical Chemistry by Combining the Course with Cutting-Edge Research[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Education, 2018, 39(24): 15-19.