2020-2021 / CHIM0697-1

Heterogeneous catalysis

Duration

20h Th, 20h Pr, 10h Proj.

Number of credits

 Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Engineering4 crédits 
 Master of Science (MSc) in Chemical and Materials Engineering4 crédits 
 Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering Physics4 crédits 

Lecturer

Nathalie Job

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The course aims at developing the concepts required to use heterogeneous catalysts in various chemical processes. It contains the following concepts:  




  • Catalyst definition, types of catalysts.
  • History of catalysis - historical processes.
  • Industrial applications: relationship between process, reactor and catalyst;
  • Physical and chemical steps in heterogeneous catalysis (diffusion, adsorption, reaction, desorption);
  • Definition of catalytic sites - catalysis by metals, alloys and surface groups.
  • Conversion ratio, activity, selectivity, turnover number
  • Identification and counting of catalytic sites. catalyst characterization.
  • Nature and synthesis of supports and active phase. catalyst shaping.
  • Coupling between reaction and diffusion in porous catalysts (mass and heat transfers, efficiency factor, diffusional limitation
  • Deactivation
 

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Master the concepts of catalyst preparation and characterization.
Be able to use a supported catalyst in a reactor and to determine the operating conditions (chemical vs. diffusional regime).

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Chemistry (CHIM9272-2 and CHIM9273-1) Chemical kinetics (CHIM0012)
or equivalent 

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Theory lessons with numerous real examples about the preparation, characterization and use of catalysts.    Exercises about characterization data treatment and the study of reaction-mass transport coupling.
 
One group presentation (in English) on a predefined subject (characterization technique) and writing of a report corresponding to the presentation. The slides and reports will constitue Chapter 7 of the course (flipped classroom).

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

  • Lectures (theory), Autumn session (face-to-face).   
  • Practice, parallel to theoretical lectures (face-to-face).   
  • Language : English

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

Courses remain orgainzed face-to-face as long as permitted. If students are unable to attend the lecture, remedial sessions will be organized upon demand (by Lifesize).
 
Si les cours basculent en distanciel, les séances auront lieu par Lifesize, à l'heure prévue dans l'horaire normal. Les séances d'exercices seront organisées sous forme de séances de questions/réponses, après préparation par les étudiants suivant un programme communiqué à l'avance.
 
If the lessons switch to distant learning, the sessions will take place through Lifesize, at the time scheduled in the normal schedule. The exercise sessions will be organized in the form of question/answer sessions, after preparation by the students following a program communicated in advance.
 
If the examination can be done face-to-face, it will be a written exam (closed books, i.e. no documents at hand).
 
If the examination must be done at distance, it will be under a mixed form:
- oral examination by Lifesize for theory;
- written exercises (with books at the student's disposal).
 

Recommended or required readings

All teaching and practice material is available on the eCampus portal.

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

  • Group presentation on a defined subejct (in English) during the theory lectures and writing of a report (10 pages maximum, English). The students may be questioned on any subject presented at the examination.  The presentation/report is mandatory: a students who fails in delivering the presentation and/or the report will not be admitted to the written examination.
 




  • Written examination on theory and practice (January).
 


  • Weighing ratios: personal presentation: 20%; oral examination: 80%.
   

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

No remark

Contacts

Nathalie Job Department of Chemical Engineering Institut de Chimie - B6a   Tel. : 32-(0)4-366 35 37 e-mail : Nathalie.Job@uliege.be