CATALYSIS, ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

The course is one of the integrative courses of the Master's degree program in Chemistry and Sustainable Technologies. The course allows the student to know and understand some topics related to new sustainable technologies for environment and energy. The student will be able to address an industrial/technological problem in its various aspects and to learn how to use the current technical-scientific language.
Some issues related to emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere from both fixed and mobile sources will be proposed. Moreover, the course consists of an overview of traditional sources of energy with a critical analysis on the replacement with renewable sources. The main objective will be to understand the role of catalytic methodologies in the transformation of effluents into harmless materials and in the exploitation of renewable energy. In particular, it will be i) stimulated the use of a logical and deductive reasoning in the resolution of these problems; ii) developed the ability to expose scientific concepts in a formal manner; iii) developed the ability to deepen a topic and to argue it through a slide presentation using an appropriate technical-scientific language.
During the course they will be proposed educational trips at local companies that deal with energy and environmental issues. The aim is to understand the topicality of the topics of the course and to ascertain the problems and solutions identified by modern technology, in view of a possible integration into the workplace.

1. Knowledge and understanding:
i) the main problems related to polluting emissions into the atmosphere from fixed and mobile sources;
ii) traditional energy sources with a critical analysis on the replacement with renewable sources;
iii) role of catalytic methodologies in the exploitation of renewable energy and in the development of sustainable processes.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
i) knowing how to use the concepts learned to solve technological problems in a logical and deductive way;
ii) knowing how to run a literature search and a consequent elaboration presented through slides.
3. Ability to judge
i) knowing how to evaluate comparatively the effectiveness of different technologies;
ii) develop a preliminary critical capacity on the dangers of some applications for human health and the environment.
4. Communication skills
i) knowing how to communicate the learned knowledge and the result of their application using an appropriate technical-scientific terminology;
ii) knowing how to interact with the teacher and the classmates in a respectful and constructive way, formulating coherent questions and arguing any alternative hypotheses;
5. Learning skills
i) being able to take notes, independently selecting the fundamental aspects of scientific reasoning and gathering information according to their importance and priority;
ii) Being able to be autonomous in a bibliographic research.

Basic knowledge of Chemistry, Physiscs and catalysis

Catalysis theory and industrial applications in general. Production and distribution of the energy. Environment and interactions with industrial production, influence of regulations on emissions.Catalytic combustion. General aspects on fossil fuels. Oil, natural gas and coal. Unconventional oils and gases. Electricity from nuclear. Perspectives and impact on the climate. Renewable energy sources: wind, marine, geothermal, hydroelectric, biomass (biorefinery and biofuels, biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas), solar (photovoltaic and solar thermal). Principles of photovoltaic and cell production. Hydrogen: economy of the future? Fuel cells. Methanol Economy. Chemicals from methanol.The concept of zero-emission processes. Mobile sources. Catalytic converters for petrol cars. Monolithic catalysts: preparation and advantages. Three-way catalysts. Catalytic converters for Diesel emissions. Ozone abatement in commercial aircraft. Fixed sources. Catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides. Process deNOx plant types. Elimination of volatile organic compounds. Carbon monoxide abatement. Chemicals and fules production from direct CO2 transformation.

Materials provided by the teacher

The assessment of learning takes place through an oral test, starting from an argument chosen by the student

oral

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

Grade 18-20 basic knowledge of the teaching content.
Grade 21-23 basic knowledge of the teaching content, and moments of independent reasoning
Grade 24-26 fair knowledge of the teaching content and independent reasoning.
Grade 27-28 good knowledge of the teaching content, and ability to sustain a scientific discussion.
Grade 29-30 very good knowledge of the teaching content, and ability to manage a scientific discussion.
Grade 30 cum laude as previous but particularly brilliant in the presentation and management of the discussion.

Teaching is organized in classroom lectures by the use of slides. In the "Moodle" platform of the University it will be present the educational material.

STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF THE COURSE COULD CHANGE AS A RESULT OF THE COVID-19 EPIDEMIC.
Accommodation and support services for students with disabilities and
students with specific learning impairments:
Ca’ Foscari abides by Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010)
regarding support services and accommodation available to students
with disabilities. This includes students with mobility, visual,
hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999), and specific learning
impairments (Law 170/2010). In the case of disability or impairment
that requires accommodations (i.e., alternate testing, readers, note
takers or interpreters) please contact the Disability and
Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disabilita@unive.it