This module illustrates the wide range of heterogeneous catalysis and its relevance to industry and environmental matters, describes the mechanisms involved in catalysis at the molecular level, and illustrates the techniques available for the study of these processes.

The role of heterogeneous catalysts and their uses in environmental and chemical manufacturing applications will be described and discussed, processes will include oxidation reactions, car exhaust treatment and acid catalysed reactions. Examples of different types of catalysts, such as supported metals, metal oxides and zeolites, will all be introduced for specific applications.

The typical properties and preparation of a heterogeneous catalyst will be presented, along with important features and catalyst characteristics. Performance of a catalyst will be evaluated and quantitative descriptors introduced, as will catalyst deactivation.

Mechanisms of heterogeneous catalysts will be considered, and the different models advanced to account for heterogeneously catalysed reactions will be introduced. These include Langmuir-Hinshelwood, Eley-Rideal and Mars van Krevelen models.

Details of how catalysts are used in different reactors will be presented, and the importance of these will be discussed. The different physical forms of the catalysts will also be considered in the context of different reactors.

Knowing (these are things that all students will need to be able to do to pass the module):

• Demonstrate awareness of the application of heterogeneous catalysts for a range of modern processes and reactions.
• Demonstrate understanding of structure, function and activity of heterogeneous catalysts.
• Describe the fundamental principles and mechanisms of heterogeneous catalysts.

Acting (Performance in this area will enable students to achieve more than a basic pass):

• Evaluate experimental data from performance of heterogeneous catalysts and relate this to catalyst characteristics.
• Propose mechanisms for heterogeneously catalysed transformations covering a wide range of chemistry.
• Propose key catalyst characteristics to effectively catalyse a wide range of reactions.

Being (Performance in this area will enable students to achieve more than a basic pass):

• Critically assess data relating to catalyst performance, communicating key concepts and characteristics, and suggest potential catalysts for unseen reactions.

Content will be delivered primarily using lectures (22 h across one semester, equating to two lectures per week). In addition, lectures may  include some worked problems and informal ad hoc formative tests. This will address the learning outcomes under the ‘Knowing’ heading, while examples presented will show students how they may also demonstrate their achievement of the ‘Acting’ learning outcomes.

 Workshops (3 x 1 h, two formative, one summative) will be used to enhance and assess problem-solving skills related to the retrieval and analysis of information and data.

Chemistry-specific skills will be focused on applying ideas introduced in earlier modules, these will include kinetics, thermodynamics, solid state chemistry and surface chemistry. These fundamental concepts will be applied to understand heterogeneous catalysts and how they operate. Application of these fundamental principles will reinforce student’s skills in their application and understanding. Understanding the basic principles of heterogeneous catalysis will allow the student to start to select appropriate catalysts for specific target reactions, and appreciate how catalysts could be applied for vital industrial and environmental reactions.

An appreciation of the wide applications of catalysts on a global scale will be gained, and this is an important insight into the modern chemical and processing industries, providing students with a competitive advantage when interacting with industry.

The module develops a number of transferable skills, such as problem solving, numeracy, retrieval and analysis of information, all of which are important for enhancing employability.

The module is summatively assessed via in course assessments.

There is no examination for this module.

The module will begin by covering the basics and applications of catalysis, effects of catalysts on reaction rates and product distribution, requirements for practical catalysts, and the design of catalysts with attention to active phases, supports and promoters.

Examples include catalysts for (i) oxidation, including catalytic combustion; (ii) water gas shift; (iii) refining processes; (iv) removal of sulfur from fuels; (v) production and use of syngas, and catalytic routes to ammonia and methanol; (vi) pollution control with particular reference to car exhaust catalysts.

The types of reactors used to apply heterogeneous catalysts will be introduced and the important features will be discussed.

A number of examples of different catalysts will be covered in case studies for a wide range of applications. An example will be the three-way catalytic converter for control of vehicle emissions Different types of heterogeneous catalysts, like zeolites, supported metals and metal oxides will be covered. These examples will present a number of different catalytic mechanisms and will include the types Langmuir-Hinshelwood, Eley-Rideal and Mars-van Krevelen.

A number of techniques used to characterise heterogeneous catalysts will be introduced.