Catalysis: Fundamentals and Applications for the Environment and the Economy
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide the bases for understanding the chemical transformations that take place with the action of homogeneous and heterogeneous chemistry catalysts and biological catalysts (enzymes). To this end, along with the description of the theoretical concepts of catalysis, examples of important catalytic processes of environmental interest and industrial chemistry will be described.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will be able to acquire kinetic and molecular knowledge on the reactive processes that occur in the presence of "third elements" (homogeneous, enzymatic and heterogeneous catalysts) that increase the reaction speed and improve the selectivity of the reactive process. These concepts will be useful for tackling more advanced courses in industrial chemistry.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Introduction to Catalysis; Chemical Interactions and Role in Catalysis; Chemical Reactivity: Kinetic and Thermodynamic Aspects; Potential Energy Surfaces. Structure-Activity Relationships. Linear Free Energy Relationships. Industrial Catalysis and Performance Indicators. Catalyst Classification. Homogeneous, Enzymatic, and Heterogeneous Catalysis. Immobilization of Homogeneous and Enzymatic Catalysts. Chemical Surface and Surface Reactivity. Adsorption and Adsorption Isotherms. Nanocatalysis. Principles of Electrocatalysis. Principles of Photocatalysis. Physicochemical Aspects of Catalyst Preparation. Physicochemical Characterization of Catalytic Materials. Specific Acid-Base Catalysis; General Acid-Base Catalysis; Solid acids and Their Characteristics. Redox Catalysis. Sustainable and Circular Catalysis for Green Chemistry. Dynamics and Thermodynamics of the Environment. Environmental Catalysis. Catalysis for Nitrogen-containing Pollutant Abatement. Catalysis for Volatile Organic Compounds Abatement. Adsorbents for Contaminated Water Treatment; Examples of Adsorbent Materials and Catalysts Obtained from Various Waste Materials.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of chemical kinetics, physical chemistry, basic inorganic chemistry, and basic organic chemistry
Teaching methods
Teaching will take place through lectures aimed at providing knowledge tools and solving problems related to the problems of chemical reactivity and catalyst design.
Teaching Resources
Some textbooks are suggested for consultation. All textbooks are available to students through the Minerva platform.
Reaction engineering, catalyst preparation, and kinetics, Marchetti, Jorge Mario, 2021
Nanoparticles in catalysis : advances in synthesis and applications Philippot, Karine, editor.; Roucoux, Alain, editor, 2021
Springer Handbook of Advanced Catalyst Characterization Wachs, Israel E., editor.; Bañares, Miguel A., editor. 2023
Molecular heterogeneous catalysis : a conceptual and computational approach Santen, R. A. van (Rutger A.), author.; Neurock, Matthew, author. 2006
Nanoparticles and catalysis, Astruc, D. (Didier), editor. 2008
Environmental catalysis Knözinger, H. Contributor; Weitkamp, J Contributor; Ertl, G Contributor; Knözinger, H. Contributor 1999
Additional textbooks will be recommended by the teacher at the end of each session, with specific reference to the topics covered.
Supplementary material useful for the study could be periodically provided by the teachers in the form of slides-handbooks.
Reaction engineering, catalyst preparation, and kinetics, Marchetti, Jorge Mario, 2021
Nanoparticles in catalysis : advances in synthesis and applications Philippot, Karine, editor.; Roucoux, Alain, editor, 2021
Springer Handbook of Advanced Catalyst Characterization Wachs, Israel E., editor.; Bañares, Miguel A., editor. 2023
Molecular heterogeneous catalysis : a conceptual and computational approach Santen, R. A. van (Rutger A.), author.; Neurock, Matthew, author. 2006
Nanoparticles and catalysis, Astruc, D. (Didier), editor. 2008
Environmental catalysis Knözinger, H. Contributor; Weitkamp, J Contributor; Ertl, G Contributor; Knözinger, H. Contributor 1999
Additional textbooks will be recommended by the teacher at the end of each session, with specific reference to the topics covered.
Supplementary material useful for the study could be periodically provided by the teachers in the form of slides-handbooks.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students' learning will be assessed through an oral examination covering the entire course content. This examination comprises three components:
1. Student-Chosen Topic Discussion: Students will engage in a discussion on a topic of their choice from those presented during the course.
2. Examiner-Chosen Topic Discussion: A discussion on a topic selected by the board of examiners from those covered in the course.
3. Critical Analysis of Catalyst Design: Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills by analyzing the design of catalysts for a specific reaction, chosen by the examiners.
Each component carries equal weight in the final evaluation, contributing to a total score out of thirty, with each part scored out of ten.
Evaluation parameters include argumentation ability; critical reasoning and thoughtful interpretation of course concepts; clarity, coherence, and depth of presentation; proficiency in utilizing specialized terminology relevant to the subject matter; ability to integrate knowledge and approaches from multiple disciplines when addressing the complex catalyst design.
1. Student-Chosen Topic Discussion: Students will engage in a discussion on a topic of their choice from those presented during the course.
2. Examiner-Chosen Topic Discussion: A discussion on a topic selected by the board of examiners from those covered in the course.
3. Critical Analysis of Catalyst Design: Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills by analyzing the design of catalysts for a specific reaction, chosen by the examiners.
Each component carries equal weight in the final evaluation, contributing to a total score out of thirty, with each part scored out of ten.
Evaluation parameters include argumentation ability; critical reasoning and thoughtful interpretation of course concepts; clarity, coherence, and depth of presentation; proficiency in utilizing specialized terminology relevant to the subject matter; ability to integrate knowledge and approaches from multiple disciplines when addressing the complex catalyst design.
CHIM/02 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours