Ateneo - UPO

Heterogeneous catalysis: general concepts. Catalysts and reaction rates. Examples of industrial interest with emphasis on environmental issues. Nature of the active sites of the catalyst, physico-chemical characterization and mode of action.

Notes prepared by the professor.
Principles and Practice of Heterogeneous Catalysis. J. M.Thomas, W. J. Thomas;

Knowledge of the fundamental aspects of the following topics: definition of heterogeneous catalysis and catalyst, rates of chemical reactions and related theories, physi- and chemisorption processes, implications of heterogeneous catalysis in modern industry, characterization techniques in heterogeneous catalysis.

Knowledge of basic thermodynamic and kinetic concepts

Frontal lessons in the classroom with projection of slides and films. The teaching material (pdf file) used during the lessons will be available on the DIR platform.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via reference office consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities. Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Oral examination. The exam will be based on oral discussion to verify the learning of the topics covered in class. 6 questions will be asked about the course program to assess learning ability and understanding.

Introduction to catalysis. Definition of catalyst and catalyzed reaction. Types of catalysis: homogeneous, heterogeneous and enzymatic. Past, present and future of heterogeneous catalysis. Heterogeneous catalysis within Green Chemistry. Materials for heterogeneous catalysis: crystalline and amorphous solids. Nature and reactivity of the surface of a heterogeneous catalyst: catalytically active sites, their dispersion and accessibility. Type of catalytically active sites: acidic, basic, redox and chiral. Classifications of heterogeneous catalysts: supported metals, porous materials and organic-inorganic hybrids. Surface reaction kinetics and elementary phases at the catalyst/reactant interface: diffusion, adsorption, chemical reaction and desorption. Fundamental aspects of chemical and physical adsorption at the interface: Langmuir-Hinselwood and Eley-Redeal models. Concepts of activity, selectivity, yield, atom economy, E-factor, turnover number (TON) and turnover frequency (TOF) of a catalytic process. Synthetic methods and characterization techniques of heterogeneous catalysts: X-ray diffraction, optical and magnetic spectroscopies, electron microscopies. Mechanisms of poisoning and regeneration of a heterogeneous catalyst. Examples and case studies of processes catalyzed by acids, bases, metals and heterogeneous organometallic complexes. Hints to the catalyzed biomass transformation for the production of platform molecules and green fuels.

Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge of the basic principles and methods of heterogeneous catalysis. Knowledge of the principles of kinetics and of the relationships between reaction rate and reaction mechanism; knowledge of the concepts of activity, selectivity, yield, atom economy, E-factor, turnover number (TON) and turnover frequency (TOF) of a catalytic process. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: ability to identify and solve problems involving chemical processes using the tools of heterogeneous catalysis; ability to recognize and quantify the elements related to heterogeneous catalysis in complex problems and processes. Making judgements: ability to critically analyze the elements linked to heterogeneous catalysis, highlighting the solutions that catalysis provides to real and complex problems. Communication skills: ability to report on scientific topics, and in particular on aspects concerning heterogeneous catalysis, in a precise, concise and clear manner. It is evaluated during the exam by analyzing the language used by the students in answering the oral questions. Learning ability: ability to use the didactic material for a critical and reasoned study, also for a subsequent autonomous and acquisition of superior knowledge.