CH2310: Catalysis and Electrocatalysis
| School | Cardiff School of Chemistry |
| Department Code | CHEMY |
| Module Code | CH2310 |
| External Subject Code | 100417 |
| Number of Credits | 10 |
| Level | L6 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Professor Stuart Taylor |
| Semester | Autumn Semester |
| Academic Year | 2015/6 |
Outline Description of Module
This module illustrates the wide range of catalysis and its relevance to industry and environmental matters, describes the mechanisms involved in catalysis at the molecular level, and illustrates the techniques available for the study of these processes.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- describe the role of catalysts and discuss their uses in environmental and chemical manufacturing applications;
- compare and contrast heterogeneous catalysis and electrocatalysis;
- discuss the typical properties and preparation of a heterogeneous catalyst;
- calculate metal particle size for chemisorption data;
- explain the importance of catalytic reactors for generating and converting syngas;
- discuss the different models advanced to account for heterogeneously catalysed reactions;
- understand the design of a polymer electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell;
- assess the catalytic methods used for generating and storing hydrogen for fuel cell systems.
How the module will be delivered
22 x 1 h Lectures, 3 x 1 h Workshops
Skills that will be practised and developed
Please see Learning Outcomes.
How the module will be assessed
A written exam (2 h) will test the student’s knowledge and understanding as elaborated under the learning outcomes. The coursework (workshops) will allow the student to demonstrate his/her ability to judge and critically review relevant information.
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam - Autumn Semester | 70 | Catalysis And Electrocatalysis | 2 |
| Written Assessment | 30 | Workshops | N/A |
Syllabus content
The module will begin by covering the basics and applications of catalysis, effects of catalysts on reaction rates and product distribution, requirements for practical catalysts, and the design of catalysts with attention to active phases, supports and promoters.
Examples include catalysts for (i) oxidation, including catalytic combustion; (ii) water gas shift; (iii) refining processes; (iv) removal of sulfur from fuels; (v) production and use of syngas, and catalytic routes to ammonia and methanol; (vi) pollution control with particular reference to car exhaust catalysts.
Fuel cells will also be covered. These devices offer energy efficient methods of power utilisation based on hydrogen and biofuels such as ethanol. The important electrocatalytic principles governing their mode of operation will be described, together with the associated catalytic technologies that can be used to produce and purify a hydrogen-rich feed stream.
Essential Reading and Resource List
An up-to-date reading list will be included in the Course Handbook.
Background Reading and Resource List
An up-to-date reading list will be included in the Course Handbook.