Catalytic Processes
A.Y. 2021/2022
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
Course activated every other year: active in 2021-2022, not active in 2022-2023.
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
The lessons will be delivered in remote synchronous mode with recording to allow students to be able to listen to them even asynchronously.
Course syllabus
Module A: Recalls of chemical kinetics and recalls of catalytic kinetics. Homogeneous catalysis and catalytic mechanisms: general and specific acid-base catalysis.
Relationship between catalytic constant and pH in aqueous solutions. Definition of the Hammett acidity function (H °) for concentrated acid solutions and for organic solvents. Relationship between H ° and the catalytic constant. Brönsted predictive relations.
Enzymatic catalysis; the effects of inhibition; effect of pH, temperature and substrate concentration. Example: enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose.
Heterogeneous catalysis; concept of the degree of coverage of the surface in relation to the adsorption isotherms (chemical and physical adsorption).
Module B: Photocatalysis; reaction mechanism on semiconductors; examples of use in the environmental field such as the abatement of pollutants and the conversion of solar energy.
Catalytic reactions in discontinuous and continuous reactors.
Different types of catalytic reactors and their correct interpretation. Outline of simulation studies of a catalytic reactor.
Examples of gas-solid and liquid-solid catalytic processes with attention to the use of catalysts in benign solvents.
Relationship between catalytic constant and pH in aqueous solutions. Definition of the Hammett acidity function (H °) for concentrated acid solutions and for organic solvents. Relationship between H ° and the catalytic constant. Brönsted predictive relations.
Enzymatic catalysis; the effects of inhibition; effect of pH, temperature and substrate concentration. Example: enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose.
Heterogeneous catalysis; concept of the degree of coverage of the surface in relation to the adsorption isotherms (chemical and physical adsorption).
Module B: Photocatalysis; reaction mechanism on semiconductors; examples of use in the environmental field such as the abatement of pollutants and the conversion of solar energy.
Catalytic reactions in discontinuous and continuous reactors.
Different types of catalytic reactors and their correct interpretation. Outline of simulation studies of a catalytic reactor.
Examples of gas-solid and liquid-solid catalytic processes with attention to the use of catalysts in benign solvents.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of chemical kinetics, basic inorganic chemistry, and basic organic chemistry
Teaching methods
Teaching will take place through lectures (or recorded) aimed at providing knowledge tools and solving problems related to the problems of chemical reactivity.
The teaching material and the operational tools proposed will be made available in digital format so that students can re-elaborate them according to their own didactic needs.
The teaching material and the operational tools proposed will be made available in digital format so that students can re-elaborate them according to their own didactic needs.
Teaching Resources
The material useful for the study will be provided by the teachers in the form of slides-handbooks.
Some textbooks will be suggested for consultation:
- James T. Richardson, Principles of Catalyst Development, Plenum Press, New York, 1989 (ISBN 0-306-43162-9)
- G. Rothenberg, Catalysis. Concepts and Green Applications, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2008 (ISBN: 978-3-527-31824-7)
- Bruce C. Gates, Catalytic Chemistry, John Wiley & Sons, New York 1992 (ISBN: 0-471-55914-8)
Some textbooks will be suggested for consultation:
- James T. Richardson, Principles of Catalyst Development, Plenum Press, New York, 1989 (ISBN 0-306-43162-9)
- G. Rothenberg, Catalysis. Concepts and Green Applications, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2008 (ISBN: 978-3-527-31824-7)
- Bruce C. Gates, Catalytic Chemistry, John Wiley & Sons, New York 1992 (ISBN: 0-471-55914-8)
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students' learning will be verified with an oral exam that will cover all the topics covered. The in-depth work on a topic chosen by the student that was presented during the lessons will be appreciated.
CHIM/02 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Chiarello Gian Luca, Gervasini Antonella
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
On request by e-mail
Room R25S, B side of Chemistry Department