CH EN 6555 - Catalytic Engineering and Science

This course will explore the varied applications of heterogeneous catalysts in use today, both in academic and industrial settings. The course will begin with a discussion on what makes for a successful catalyst and how catalysts can improve reaction performance. Topics will include surface catalyzed reaction mechanisms, catalyst synthesis and preparation, catalyst characterization, petrochemical catalysis, environmental catalysis, electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, hybrid organicinorganic catalysis, and theoretical methods in catalysis. Relevant papers from the literature on current topics will be assigned as reading to prepare for class. There will be a final project at the end of the course where the student will choose a topic of current interest in catalysis and prepare a short paper (at least 3 pages) and an oral presentation on the topic. Graduate students will have a longer paper (at least 10 pages) with an oral presentation and will be expected to propose ideas for new advances in catalysis.