5 ECTS credits
125 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4009186ENR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
This course gives an introduction to adsorption and heterogeneous catalysis on porous solids, followed by a more detailed discussion of thermodynamics of adsorption and chemical reactions, adsorption and catalytic effects on molecular scale, materials, experimental methods in adsorption and catalysis and industrial processes. Aspects such as catalyst deactivation and regeneration, integration of separation and reaction, material synthesis, pore size assessment, kinetics of reaction, diffusion in porous media, shape selective catalysis etc are dealt with. Relationships between effects at the molecular level and the process scale are discussed.
During the lab sessions, several aspects of catalysis as discussed during the course are assessed experimentally. For example, a particular zeolite is studied in detail. For this material, both adsorption and kinetic properties are studied. Adsorption isotherms are obtained via batch experiments, while separation of gas mixtures is studied in breakthrough experiments. The activity in a selected reaction (e.g. alkylation) of the catalyst is studied. Based on the experimental data, kinetic and adsorption parameters have to be calculated. At the end of the lab session, a written report has to be handed in.
This should allow the student to understand catalytic processes, which form the core of chemical industry, and to contribute to the development and/or optimization of catalytic processes.
- Participation to lab sessions is compulsory.
- In the event of unauthorized absences during the lab sessions, the score loss is charged pro rata to the absences. In the event of unauthorized absence during lab sessions, participation in the exam can be refused.
- Partial marks for the lab sessions, if the student obtains at least half of the score (for this part), are transferred to the second session, and to the next academic year. Students may not relinquish partial marks.
- Describe the different classes of heterogeneous catalysts and adsorbents.
- Relate the elementary steps occurring in a catalytic reaction to the global performance of the process.
- Derive the equations for reaction kinetics and deactivation of heterogeneous catalysts.
- Reproduce the relationships that describe thermodynamics of adsorption.
- Explain the relationships between material properties and catalytic and adsorption properties.
- Interpret the dynamics of adsorption columns based on the mass balances.
- Describe regeneration methods in heterogeneous catalysis and adsorption.
- Select the best material for a given catalytic or adsorptive separation process.
- Collaborate in a constructive way to perform catalytic and adsorption experiments.
- Perform catalytic and adsorption experiments in an accurate and safe way.
- Determine kinetic and adsorption parameters based on experimental data.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 70% of the final mark.
Practical Exam determines 30% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the Practical Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
- Oral exam with written preparation. Knowledge and insight are evaluated.
- During the lab sessions, it is evaluated if the students are capable to work accurately and safely. Cooperation and team work is graded. Also the written report is evaluated, based on technical content, scientific writing, interpretation of the results.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Bioengineering Sciences: Chemistry and Bioprocess Technology: Sustainable Chemical Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Chemistry: Default track (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Chemistry: Chemical Theory, (Bio)Molecular Design and Synthesis
Master of Teaching in Science and Technology: chemie (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)