4 ECTS credits
110 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4017195ENR 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.
Powerpoint presentation - available on Canvas
Complementary study material (available in Prof's office):
Handbook of Heterogeneous Catalysis, édité par G. Ertl, H. Knözinger et J. Weitkamp, 1997, Editions VCH.
Catalytic Chemistry, B. C. Gates, 1992, Editions John Wiley & Sons.
Catalyst Handbook, 2nd edition, édité par M. V. Twigg, 1989, Editions Wolfe Publishing Ltd.
Applied Heterogeneous Catalysis, J.-F. Le Page et al., Institut Français du Pétrole, 1987, Editions Technip
Principles of adsorption and adsorption processes, D.M. Ruthven, J. Wiley and Sons, NY, 1984.
Adsorption Technology and Design, B. Crittenden and W.J. Thomas, Butterworth, 1998.
Adsorption analysis: Equilibria and Kinetics, D.D. Do, Imperial College Press, 1998.
- 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.
This course further contributes to reaching the following learning objectives.
The Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering has in-depth knowledge and understanding of
MA_1 exact sciences with the specificity of their application to engineering
MA_3 the advanced methods and theories to schematize and model complex problems or processes
MA_17 an integrated insight in chemical process and materials' technology
MA_18 insight in chemistry as a link between process and materials technology
The Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering can
MA_4 reformulate complex engineering problems in order to solve them (simplifying assumptions, reducing complexity)
MA_6 correctly report on research or design results in the form of a technical report or in the form of a scientific paper
MA_7 present and defend results in a scientifically sound way, using contemporary communication tools, for a national as well as for an international professional or lay audience
MA_8 collaborate in a (multidisciplinary) team
The Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering has
MA_15 the flexibility and adaptability to work in an international and/or intercultural context
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 (closed book) with written preparation
- Students should be capable of explaining and applying the content of the course. Students are capable of explaining the basic principles of a catalytic or adsorptive process, selecting the appropriate material and describing the process in a mathematical way.
- 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.
- Participation to lab sessions is compulsory. In case of non legitimated absence, marks will be lost in proportion to the number of absences
- 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.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Chemical and Materials Engineering: Profile Process Technology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Chemical and Materials Engineering: PR Profile Materials (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Chemical and Materials Engineering: Profile Materials
Master of Chemical and Materials Engineering: Profile Process Technology