An elective 3-lecture course that introduces applied chemistry students to different aspects of chemical catalysis. Both theory and applications of catalysis are included. The course covers different types of homogeneous, heterogeneous and hybrid types of catalysis. Catalysis by molecular organometallic compounds and zeolites is involved together with surface catalysis by metals and metal oxides. Photocatalysis is also included. Applications of catalysis in organic reactions such as hydrogenation, reforming, carbonylation, isomerization, and other petrochemical processes are included. Environmental applications of catalysis, such as cleanup processes by solar light and CO oxidation are also included.
The course aims at helping students acquire preliminary concepts of applied catalyst systems, currently used in chemical industry. The course focuses on chemical basis and aspects of the topic, in a critical approach. The student will use own basic principles to critically make decisions, and preference between different types of catalysts, based on safety, cost, recovery, environmental impact, efficiency and time. The student will also make judgments and formulate specific recommendations on the best catalyst to be chosen for a particular industrial chemical process. The course involves in-depth understanding of catalytic reaction mechanisms, and using such knowledge to kinetically control reaction progress. Moreover, the course equips the student with basic skills needed for future research activities in the area.
After completing this course, the learner should be able to:
Texts:
1) B.C. Gates, Catalytic Chemistry, (1992), J. Wiley.
2) Hikmat Hilal, Homogeneous Catalysis with Transition Metal Complexes, Najah University.
3) John C. Chadwick, Rob Duchateau, Zoraida Freixa, Piet W. N. M. van Leeuwen, Homogeneous Catalysts: Activity - Stability - Deactivation June (2011), J. Wiley, ISBN: 978-3-527-32329-6.
References:
3) C. Masters, Homogeneous Transition Metal Catalysis, Science Paperbacks
4) Jens Hagen, Industrial Catalysis: A Practical Approach, 2nd ed., J. Wiley, (2006), J. Wiley.
5) Other references: On-line journal (Applied Catalysis, Catalysis Today, Journal of Molecular Catalysis, Organometallics, …) and internet search.
Activity | Percent (%) |
---|---|
first hour exam | 30% |
First assignment | 10% |
Second assignment | 10% |
final exam | 50% |