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CHE511 CATALYSIS

Course Objectives

The objectives of this course is to expose the student the molecular phenomena on th surface of heterogeneous catalysts through lectures, homework assignments, and in class dicsussions based on a term project assignment.  Merits and problems rlevant to multiscale modeling in heterogeneous catalysis will be particularly addressed.  Surface thermodynamics and microkinetic model analysis will be discussed. Theoretical and experimental methodologies including data analysis will be emphasized. 

Course Content

Conservation equations in heterogeneous systems. Intrapellet transport effectiveness factor, applications to heterogeneous catalytic reactor design. Principles and mechanism of catalysis; surface chemistry and surface structure. Physical properties of porous catalysts, reaction mechanisms.

Course Learning Outcomes

1.      Identify kinetic, thermodynamic and transport bottlenecks in heterogeneous catalytic reactions.

2.      Apply the concepts of kinetics, transport and equilibria to multiscale analysis and design of heterogeneous catalytic reactors.

3.      Propose surface reaction mechanisms, microkinetic models, supported by experimental and/or theoretical basis from the literature.

4.      Obtain reaction rate expressions based on the microkinetic models, propose experimental methods for the verification of the rate expressions.

5.      Select the most suitable laboratory reactor for testing a particular catalyst. 

6.      Select the most suitable catalyst characterization technique, interpret the data. 

7.      Critically evaluate the relevant literature, analyze and interpret experimental results reported in the literature.

8.      Articulate the present day and the future trends in chemical reactor theory and design.