Course content

The course is given every second year, next time spring 2011.
The course gives an overview of principles for design and preparation of catalytic materials. Synthesis methods for support materials as well as catalytically active phases will be described, e.g. (co-)precipitation, impregnation incl. incipient wetness and ion exchange, deposition-precipitation, sol-gel methods, different methods based on pyrolysis and chemical vapour deposition (CVD). The different steps in the preparation, including drying, calcination and reduction, and parameters that influence/control the final catalyst properties are assessed. Important classes of materials such as alumina, silica and zeolites, as well as structured mesoporous materials (MCM-41, SBA-15) are discussed. Carbon nanofiber (CNF) production by catalytic methods is also included, and an introduction to combinatorial methods for parallel synthesis and/or screening of new catalyst systems will be given. Methods for and challenges connected to synthesis scale-up and industrial processing of heterogeneous catalysts are specifically treated.

Learning outcome

The students should be able to make qualified choices and adjustments regarding catalyst preparation methods and synthesis parameters. To some extent they should be able to assess scale-up and industrial production.

Learning methods and activities

Seminars

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic knowledge in solid state chemistry and heterogeneous catalysis is required.

Course materials

Selected handouts and scientific papers

Credit reductions