ChE-410 / 3 credits

Teacher: Kröcher Oliver

Language: English


Summary

The course is an introduction to heterogeneous catalysis for environmental protection and energy production. It focusses on catalytic exhaust gas cleaning as well as catalytic systems relevant for gaseous and liquid fuel production. The course ends with two days of experimental exercises at PSI.

Content

Keywords

Heterogeneous catalysis

Emission control

Exhaust gas catalysis

Fuel synthesis

Renewable fuels

 

Learning Prerequisites

Recommended courses

Introduction to chemical engineering

Chemical engineering of heterogeneous reactions

Chemical kinetics and thermodynamics

Mass & heat transfer

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Select appropriately catalytic systems for different reactions
  • Describe different catalytic exhaust cleaning technologies
  • Explain the composition and structure-function relationships of different catalytic systems
  • List the relevant chemical reactions
  • Design an experiment for catalytic tests
  • Select appropriately catalyst characterization methods
  • Use the specific nomenclature in the field and calculate basic parameters
  • Assess / Evaluate the performance of heterogeneous catalysts
  • Conduct simple catalytic tests
  • Perform basic catalyst characterizations

Teaching methods

2 hours per week ex cathedra using Powerpoint slides. Examples will be shown to illustrate theory.

Excersises will be conducted in form of an experimental two-day lab excursion at PSI on 3-4 Jan 2024. In case of more than 10 students a second two-day lab excursion will be offered on 4-5 Jan 2024.

 

Expected student activities

Taking notes in the course hours.

Preparing, conducting and reporting exercises.

Assessment methods

One final written open-book exam.

Credit points:

  • Two credit points for attending the lectures, conducting small exercises at home and the final exam.
  • One credit point for attending the mandatory two-day lab excursion at the Paul Scherrer Institute.

Supervision

Office hours Yes
Assistants Yes
Forum No

Resources

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

No

Notes/Handbook

Students have access to the slides few days before each lesson.

In the programs

  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: Written (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Catalysis for emission control and energy processes
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: Written (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Catalysis for emission control and energy processes
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exam form: Written (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Catalysis for emission control and energy processes
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks

Reference week

 MoTuWeThFr
8-9     
9-10     
10-11     
11-12     
12-13     
13-14     
14-15     
15-16     
16-17     
17-18     
18-19     
19-20     
20-21     
21-22     

Related courses

Results from graphsearch.epfl.ch.