Corso di laurea magistrale in Chimica

Knowledge and Understanding

The aim of the course is to provide students with a solid foundation in the principles of catalysis, offering a unified view of the concepts of reactivity and selectivity. This approach allows for a better understanding of the current directions in the development of modern chemistry, with particular attention to the energy and environmental sustainability of chemical processes.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

The course aims to provide students with the theoretical tools and experimental data necessary to apply the acquired knowledge. Students will be able to understand the relationships between composition, structure, and catalytic properties of the main types of catalysts and apply this knowledge in practical contexts, such as in hydrogenation, partial oxidation, and polymerization reactions.

Making Judgments

Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate catalytic processes, taking into account energy and environmental implications. They will be able to make autonomous judgments about the different types of catalysts and chemical processes, based on a thorough analysis of experimental and theoretical data.

Communication Skills

The course encourages students to effectively communicate complex concepts of catalysis and their applications. They will be able to clearly and concisely present why a certain catalyst is used for a specific reaction, using appropriate technical language in both academic and professional contexts.

Learning Skills

Students will acquire the ability to learn autonomously and continuously, developing a critical approach to scientific literature and innovations in the field of catalysis. They will be prepared to undertake further specialized studies or to enter the workforce with a solid theoretical preparation.

INTRODUCTION

What is it a catalyst?

Homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts.

A quick excursus on the most commune chemical products with historical mention about their production; where catalysis play a key role.

PROCESSES AT THE BASIS OF CATALYSIS

Molecular recognition: the substrate must reach the active site.

Adsorption: relevance of the surface in heterogeneous catalysts.

Adsorption phenomena and how to measure them.

MOST RELEVANT COMPONENT OF A CATALYST.

Active phase (single site, multiple site); ligands (homogeneous catalysis) and support (heterogeneous catalysis); the role of the solvent.

High surface area materials as supports: oxides and carbon.

Most commune ways to deposit the active phase on the support.

Microporous materials that find applications as support, but also as catalysts.

Quick excursus on the most commune techniques used to characterize an heterogeneous catalyst.

MOST COMMUNE CATALYTIC PROCESSES INDUSTRIALLY RELEVANT.

1) Activation of H₂.

Hydrogenation catalysts.

The concept of selectivity in case of hydrogenation catalysts.

Relationship among structure, activity and selectivity.

2) Activation of nitrogen.

Ammonia synthesis

3) Activation of CO.

The reaction of water gas shift.

From the syn gas to synthetic gasoline.

Fisher-Tropsh process and methanol synthesis.

4) From the methane to hydrocarbon.

Hydrocarbon production for chemicals and for fuels.

Cracking and fcc processes.

Methanol-to-hydrocarbon and methanol-to-olefin.

5) Activation of NO.

Catalysts for NO_x conversion.

The catalytic converter

6) Catalysts to produce Energy from renewable sources

7) Capture and conversion of CO₂.

8) Activation of O₂.

Oxidation catalysts.

The concept of selectivity in case of oxidation catalysts: catalysts for partial oxidation.

9) Activation of olefins.

Polymerization and oligomerization catalysts.

The concept of selectivity into the catalysts for olefin conversions

Frontal lessons (48 hours)

All the teaching material will be published on the Moodle page of the course.

The exam, a single one for both  professors, is oral and wi be devoted to verify the knowledge of what has been explained during the lessons.

The evaluation will be expressed in thirtieths.

During the lessons, quiz will be administered through the Wooclap response software, aiming to train students in reasoning and help them to memorize the important concepts discussed in previous lessons. The quizzes will provide students with feedback regarding the achievement of the expected outcomes (for educational purposes) and, at the same time, will enable Professors to implement corrective actions if comprehension difficulties arise.

Notes written by the teachers will be available on the Moodle platform.

Additional research material will be suggested by the teachers along the course and it will be available at the library or online.

Students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) or disabilities are requested to review the support (https://www.unito.it/servizi/lo-studio/studenti-e-studentesse-con-disabilita) and reception (https://www.unito.it/accoglienza-studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa) procedures of the University, and in particular the procedures necessary for support during exams (https://www.unito.it/servizi/lo-studio/studenti-e-studentesse-con-disturbi-specifici-di-apprendimento-dsa/supporto)."