This module consists of lectures and class tutorials that will develop many of the fundamental concepts in catalysis, and show how they can be applied to some of the major challenges in chemistry, including:

·       Environmental protection (through control of NOx, VOC and CO emissions)

·       Re-designing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency and sustainability

·       Upgrading low-value and waste products

·       Transitioning from conventional catalysis to biocatalysis

·       Replacing supply-limited precious metal catalysts  by less rare materials

The content will draw strongly on the complementary fields of nanoscience, solid-state chemistry, surface science, organometallic chemistry, and synthetic organic chemistry. 

·       Relate catalyst structure to surface reactivity during heterogeneous gas-phase redox reactions

·       Explain relevant theory such as electronic metal-support interaction

·       Compose hypotheses and propose detailed reaction mechanisms for homogeneous and biocatalytic reactions

·       Demonstrate understanding of new technologies  based on catalytic separation and multiphase catalysis

·       Propose original catalytic solutions to real-world problems

This module consists of 10 lectures (each 2 hours) and 4 interactive sessions (1 hour class tutorials).  The lectures will cover the 4 main themes that are listed under Syllabus Content.  The class tutorials will comprise scenario-based problem solving exercises, in which the principles of catalyst and process design will be explored.   

The skills acquired will prepare the student for the application of the principles of ‘green catalysis’.

·       Catalyst evaluation: Assessing the advantages and limitations of emergent catalysts and catalytic technologies

·       Catalyst design: Selecting the components of  high-performance catalysts that can be regenerated and recycled

·       Process optimisation: Proposing strategies for optimising the performance (rate, selectivity,  durability) of  catalysts and catalytic reactors

The module will be assessed by a combination of coursework (20%) and written examination (80%).  The mark for coursework will be made up of the 4 individual marks (5% each) for the class tutorials.

The syllabus will cover 4 main themes:

(i)            Catalysts for environmental protection -  Whereas the Year 3 Catalysis module focuses on a case study of the three-way catalytic converter for vehicle exhaust after treatment, this module concentrates mainly on treatment of emissions from stationary sources.  There is particular emphasis on the fundamental aspects of the chemistry, in respect to catalyst preparation, microscopic, macroscopic and surface structure, and probing the catalytic mechanism.

(ii)          Enzyme utility in the production of organic chemicals - The focus in this part of the module is on assessing the advantages of using enzymes, particularly the unparalleled rate accelerations and the enhanced enantio/diastereoselectivity that can be achieved.  The module will look at kinetic resolutions, dynamic kinetic resolutions and desymmetrisation reactions, with esterases/lipases featuring mostly. 

(iii)         Homogeneous catalysis in the 21^st century  - This part of the module considers how established homogeneous catalytic systems can be improved in terms of both cost and environmental impact.  In particular, application of the principles of ‘green catalysis’ will be emphasised with regard to the nature of the catalyst, the chemical process itself and greener alternatives to established materials.

(iv)         Catalysts for future processes - Starting from the underlying nature of metal-support interactions, the effects of composition and structure on surface reactivity of heterogeneous catalysts are examined.  These correlations are applied to the design of catalysts for new uses, such as waste heat recoveryand upgrading of low-value chemical by-products.

 ‘Handbook of Green Chemistry – Green Catalysis’: Vol. 1 Homogeneous Catalysis; Vol. 2 Heterogeneous Catalysis; Vol. 3 Biocatalysis, eds. P. Anastas and R.H. Crabtree, Wiley VCH, 2009

‘Modern Biocatalysis’, eds. W.-D. Fesner and T. Anthonsen, Wiley-VCH, 2009

‘Expanding the organic toolbox: a guide to integrating biocatalysis in synthesis’ C.M. Clouthier and J.N. Pelletier, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2012, 41, 1585-1605