Learning objectives
Catalysis is the key to efficient chemical processing. Catalysis is an interdisciplinary coherent subject, unified by concepts of chemical structure and reactivity, kinetics and transport phenomena.
It is the aim of the course to give an unitary understanding of the catalytic phenomena.
The course of Environmental Catalysis aims to consider the applications of catalysis in the field of processes for the reduction of emissions and the abatement of gaseous pollutants. More generally, it focuses on the realisation of more sustainable processes in view of the protection of environment.
Prerequisites
NO
Course unit content
Introduction, catalytic principles, definitions: TON, TOF, green chemistry, atom economy.
Homogeneous catalysis with transition metal catalysts. Selective couplings (Heck, Suzuki) catalysed by transition metal.
Biocatalysis. Industrial processes with biocatalysis. Enzymatic reduction and oxidation processes. Enantioselective processes.
Heterogeneous catalysis: fundamentals and characterization techniques.
Shape selectivity; zeolites.
Catalysis and the environment.
Contribution of catalysis towards the reduction of atmospheric air pollution: carbon dioxide, CFCs, nitrous oxide, ozone.
Catalytic processes for high-quality transportation fuels. Hydrodesulphurisation of fuels. Emission control from mobile sources: Otto and Diesel engines. Three-way catalysts. NOx storage-reduction catalysts. Controlling particulate emissions from Diesel engines.
Emission control from stationary sources. NO decomposition. SCR of nitric oxide with ammonia, CO, hydrogen, methane and other hydrocarbons. Urea-SCR. Catalytic removal of SOx and NOx. Ammonia removal.
Fuel cells. Hydrogen production. Hydrogen storage.Nanotubes.
Catalytic technologies for the conversion of renewables. Catalysis in the thermal conversion of biomass. Biomass as chemical feedstock. Biodiesel production. Polymers from renewable feedstocks (PLA).
Full programme
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Bibliography
- Industrial Catalysis, a Practical Approach
J. Hagen
Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co
- Principle and Practice of Heterogeneous Catalysis
J. M. Thomas, W. J. Thomas
VCH Verlagsgesellshaft mbH
- Catalytic Chemistry
B. C. Gates
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
- 'Environmental Catalysis', Ed. by F.J.J.G. Janssen e R.A. Van Santen, Catalytic Science Series - vol. 1 - Imperial College Press 1999
Teaching methods
Oral lessons
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination
Other information
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