Heterogeneous Catalysis
A.Y. 2024/2025
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.
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.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
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 aging: 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.
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.
The thermodynamic and kinetic concepts that must be acquired by students are provided in the fundamental teachings of "Chimica Fisica I" and "Laboratorio di Chimica Fisica" of the three-year degree course in Chimica Industriale or in similar courses of other scientific degree courses.
The thermodynamic and kinetic concepts that must be acquired by students are provided in the fundamental teachings of "Chimica Fisica I" and "Laboratorio di Chimica Fisica" of the three-year degree course in Chimica Industriale or in similar courses of other scientific degree courses.
Teaching methods
Lessons are divided into two Modules (A and B), each one of 2.5 CFU: 24 hours of frontal lessons.
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.
Experiments (1 CFU: 16 hours) will be made in the laboratory; also visits to specific physicochemical laboratories will be made.
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.
Experiments (1 CFU: 16 hours) will be made in the laboratory; also visits to specific physicochemical laboratories will be made.
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).
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
The oral test will focus on all the topics covered in the classroom and in the laboratory by the two teachers.
During the exam, students must demonstrate that they are able to handle any topic of heterogeneous catalysis with good command, among those covered during the course, and that they can support a discussion with the teachers on certain catalytic aspects.
It will be possible to discuss articles on particular topics chosen by the student.
The final exam grade is expressed in thirtieths.
During the exam, students must demonstrate that they are able to handle any topic of heterogeneous catalysis with good command, among those covered during the course, and that they can support a discussion with the teachers on certain catalytic aspects.
It will be possible to discuss articles on particular topics chosen by the student.
The final exam grade is expressed in thirtieths.
CHIM/02 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Laboratories: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Chiarello Gian Luca, Gervasini Antonella
Shifts:
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
On request by e-mail
Room R25S, B side of Chemistry Department