Ateneo - UPO

Study of the experimental methods useful for the analysis of solids for environmental applications (i.e. catalysts for environmentally friendly processes). Various practical experiences will enable to students to acquire information on the physico-chemical properties of materials through a multidisciplinary experimental approach.

P.W. Atkins, “Physical Chemistry", VI Ed., Oxford University Press 

Other relevant material will be provided by the teacher.

In this laboratory module, specific practical experiences will be organized to apply the basic knowledge gained in the course of Advanced Physical Chemistry.
The practical activities will be useful in developing the ability to properly perform synthesis and characterization of reference materials. The synthesized solids will be characterized by using the main physic-chemical-physical described during the theoretical course of Advanced Physical Chemistry. 
The students will use a laboratory book to describe in a proper way the various practical experiences.
The students will be able to use a suitable chemical vocabulary in relation to the topics described in the course and to write report on the result obtained from the application of these techniques. He will develop the ability in making judgements and autonomously deepen the arguments treated in the course.
The report, that must contain the experimental results obtained in the frame of the experimental course, will be used to verify the ability to apply the knowledge of students. It is required to students to comment in a critical manner the obtained data in order to evaluate their making judgement skills. 
The communication skills will be evaluated during the oral exam. It will be required to students to describe some of the data and analyze them in a critical manner.

It is recommend the acquisition of the topics covered in the course of Physical Chemistry II and Advanced Physical Chemistry.

It is recommend the acquisition of the topics covered in the course of Physical Chemistry II and Advanced Physical Chemistry.
Introductory lectures on practical laboratory experiences, to recall the chemical-physical bases needed to understand the procedures and comment on the results. During these lessons the experiments that students will have to do in the lab will be explained in detail. The student will have to complete a laboratory book and to work in groups (two or three students) both for practical experience and for the preparation of the final written report. At the end of the course, a specific lesson will be organized to discuss together the obtained data.

Each laboratory experience will be developed and elaborated with the students in order to verify the correct understanding of the collected data.

The presence at the laboratory course is compulsory. It is required for the student to compile a laboratory book to develop the ability to describe a practical experience and collect data in a proper way. The student must also produce a written report containing a critical analysis of the results obtained in the experience to develop the ability to draw conclusions from the experiences and communication skills.
The final exam will be based on the oral discussion of a report students have to prepare and that is based on an exhaustive analysis of the results obtained during laboratory classes. The report must be delivered to the teacher at least 10 days before the date of the exam session.
The final judgment will be based on the evaluation of the written report and an oral test consisting of 4 questions, two of which will be related to the discussion of two of the experiences described in the report, one will be based on the theoretical basis (illustrated during the introduction lessons) of one of the practical experiences , and one will relate to the operating principles of one of the instruments or techniques used in the laboratory. The knowledge of students will be evaluated though specific questions related to theoretical aspects of the discipline.
This exam allows you to evaluate the acquired theoretical knowledge, the ability to apply them to real cases, the ability to collect and critically analyze the obtained results, the communicative skills in exposing the work done.
To overcome the test, the student must at least demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basics and their applications in the lab.
The level of difficulty corresponds to the program being run and the reference texts indicated. The excellence will be reached by answering to a specific question posed to judge the ability of making judgment on arguments similar to that treated during the class.

In this course, which has a strong applicative character, the experimental methods useful for the analysis of solids for environmental applications (i.e. catalysts for environmentally friendly processes) will be introduced. Few lessons in classroom will be mainly dedicated to the introduction of solid systems of environmental interest and to verify the knowledge of the basic principles of experimental techniques that can be used for the study of solid samples (IR, Raman and DR-UV-Vis spectroscopy, physisorption analysis, electron microscopy, thermal analysis). Several practical experiences will be organized aiming to provide information on physico-chemical properties of solid systems with interest for processes with low environmental impact.

Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge of the basic concepts of synthesis and characterization of materials. Basic knowledge of sol-gel and solvothermal synthesis methods. Knowledge of structure characterization methods (X-ray diffraction), textural (N2 physisorption), morphology (SEM microscopy) and surface properties (IR and DUV-Vis analysis in diffuse reflection, including adsorption of probe molecules).Applying knowledge and
understanding: ability to collect data in a suitable way and to fill in a laboratory notebook; ability to apply the theory in the execution and understanding of the laboratory experiments and to the explanation of the results.
Making judgements: skill to critically analyze the results of the practical experiences, understanding possible errors and suggesting solutions.
Communication skills: ability to report on the work done (and generally on chemical-scientific topics) in a precise, concise and clear manner, both in written and oral form.
Learning skills: ability to use the teaching material for a critical and reasoned study, also for a subsequent autonomous acquisition of superior knowledge and for a continuous updating.
Learning of an appropriate scientific language.