SUSTAINABLE PROCESSES AND CATALYSIS

The course is part of the related/integrative training activities of the Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry and Sustainable Technologies. The course allows the student to acquire knowledge and understanding of topics related to the study of catalytic systems and the use of such systems in industrial technology. The course includes addressing some issues related to the synthesis and characterization of a heterogeneous catalyst. The student will have the opportunity to learn about various examples of catalyst preparation in industry. The student will have the opportunity to address an applicative/industrial/technological problem in its various articulations and learn a coherent use of current technical-scientific language.
The main objective will be to understand the role of catalysis in the preparation of various chemical specialties. In particular, the use of logical and deductive reasoning in solving said problems will be stimulated, an approach of fundamental importance for addressing any problem in the scientific field; ii) the ability to present scientific concepts and reasoning in a formal manner will be developed; Experts from industry or academia will be invited to give seminars on course topics.

1. Knowledge and understanding:
a) basic concepts of catalysis.
b) synthesis of catalysts
c) characterization of catalytic systems with gas adsorption techniques (physisorption, chemisorption), thermoanalytical techniques (TPR, TPO, TPD), thermogravimetric techniques (TG, DTA, DSC), chromatographic techniques, spectroscopic techniques, etc.
d) Photocatalysis
e) Examples of sustainable processes

2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
a) Know how to use the knowledge learned in class to solve some problems related to catalysis with logical-deductive reasoning.
b) Know how to carry out a bibliographic research

3. Judgment skills
Know how to evaluate the effectiveness of different formulation approaches

4. Communication skills
a) Know how to ask appropriate questions during the lessons
b) Know how to use appropriate vocabulary and technical-scientific symbols to communicate learning.

5. Learning ability
a) Know how to be adequately autonomous in carrying out bibliographic research activities.
b) Know how to take notes appropriately.

Basic knowledge of chemistry

in this class we will talk about sustainability and circular economy, examples of chemical processes and sustainable chemistry will be given, we will talk about catalysis. Catalysis as a means to create innovative processes, for example photocatalysis for the conversion of CO2 to fuels or photocatalysis for the production of hydrogen. Examples will be given of the transformation of plant or animal waste into other chemical specialties, for example their transformation into cosmetics or systems for water purification..., of the possibility of giving new life to waste from plastic materials. .Part of some lessons will be dedicated to Quiz made to evaluate the level of learning of the lessons. Part of some lessons will be dedicated to works done by the students.
A visit to a company or a lesson made by industrial researchers is planned.

Lecture notes and handouts,
Fundamentals of Industrial Chemistry, Raw Materials, Products, Processes, Sustainability Edz. F. Cavani, G. Centi, M. Di Serio, I. Rossetti, A. Salvini, G. Strukul, Zanichelli 2022, Bologna
Handbook of Heterogeneous Catalysis, Edz. G. Ertl, H. Knozinget, J. Weitkamp Vol. 1-5. WILEY-VCH
Synthesis of Solid Catalysts, Edz. Krijn P. de Jong -WILEY-VCH (2009)
Catalyst Manufacture, Alvin B. Stiles, Theodore A. Koch, Edz. Marcel Dekker

The learning assessment is done through an oral exam. During the oral exam, the student must demonstrate knowledge of the topics covered during the course and ability to present them in a formal manner. The oral exam consists of a series of questions regarding the program covered. The oral exam lasts from 30 to 45 minutes depending on the clarity and coherence of the answers to the questions asked.

To pass the exam, the following are required: active participation in the lessons and obviously knowledge of the topics covered during the course.

oral

The final grade of the course is determined by:
- knowledge of the required topics (range 0- 20 (points);
- confidence in the exposition (max 2 points);
- ability to independently articulate the speech (max 5 points);
- active participation in the activities carried out in the classroom (max 3 points).

Teaching is organized in classroom lectures. The teaching material relating to the pdfs of the presentations shown in the classroom will be made available on the University “moodle” platform. During the course, there will be intermediate learning tests without evaluation via the Wooclap platform.
Teaching language

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Circular economy, innovation, work" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development