Heterogeneous Catalysis

A.Y. 2023/2024
6
Max ECTS
56
Overall hours
SSD
CHIM/02
Language
English
Learning objectives
The course aims to illustrate the heterogeneous catalysis in all its different aspects.
Catalysts and catalytic processes for the industrial and for environmental remediation processes, including photocatalysis, will be described.
Basic information on the design, preparation methods, bulk and surface catalyst properties, and development of industrial catalysts and catalytic processes will be illustrated.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to understand the role of heterogeneous solids in given reactions, to know the main techniques suitable for characterize the surface and bulk properties of heterogeneous catalysts and to know the main surface reaction mechanisms by making laboratory tests. From the several illustrated case history, the students should grow a positive vision on the importance of heterogeneous catalysis in the industrial and environmental processes.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Definition of catalyst and catalytic reaction. Concepts of activity, selectivity, productivity, and yield of a catalyst. Kinetics and elemental steps: diffusion, adsorption, chemical reaction, and desorption. Catalytic action limited by external and internal diffusion. Development of industrial catalyst: design and preparation methods (unit operations for the preparation of bulk and supported catalysts, including the catalyst form); catalytic materials (active phase, supports, and promoters). Determination of bulk and surface catalyst properties by spectroscopic, thermal analysis, chemical, and X-ray based techniques. Catalyst ageing: deactivation, poisoning, and actions for the regeneration of spent catalysts.
Photocatalysis and photocatalyst: concepts and applications in several reactions for energy production and for environmental depollution.
Case histories: catalyst applications in the field of environmental problems resolution and sustainable chemistry.
Practical experiments: operations for the preparation of solid catalysts; determination of the specific surface area and porosity by nitrogen adsorption; determination of several catalyst properties with spectroscopical, thermal, and microscopy methods; execution of catalytic and photocatalytic reactions in batch and continuous reactors.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of basic thermodynamic and kinetic concepts.
Teaching methods
The teaching method includes both classical lectures and illustrations in the form of case histories of some of the most important articles that have appeared in recent years in specific scientific literature.
Teaching Resources
J.M. Thomas, W.J. Thomas, Principles and Practice of Heterogeneous Catalysis, VCH, Weinheim, 1997 (ISBN 3-527-29239-X);
R.A. Sheldon, I. Arends, U. Hanefeld, Green Chemistry and Catalysis Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2007 (ISBN: 978-3-527-30715-9);
G. Rothenberg, Catalysis. Concepts and Green Applications, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2008 (ISBN: 978-3-527-31824-7).
Assessment methods and Criteria
In addition to an oral examination, which will cover all the topics treated in the classroom, the students will prepare a written report on the experiments that will be shown during the laboratory practices.
For the oral examination, students have to demonstrate to be able to treat any argument of the heterogeneous catalysis, among those treated during the course, with good mastery and to sustain a discussion on given catalytic aspects with the teachers.
CHIM/02 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Laboratories: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
On request by e-mail
Room R25S, B side of Chemistry Department