Catalyst is not only a compound which is most widely used to control chemical reactions but also a key material for conversion of a substance. To develop the catalyst with an excellent property, an understanding the basic principle and concept about catalysis is indispensable. Catalytic chemistry seems complicated because it is applied chemistry covering a wide range of scientific fields. However, the material chemistry with regard to catalysis can be systematically understood by learning the knowledge based on physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry. This course includes kinetics and equilibrium, characterization of catalyst, structure and synthesis method, reaction mechanism, catalytic process, etc.
The purpose of this course is not only to understand the catalytic chemistry with backgrounds of physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry but also to apply the knowledge to practical catalyst design and development. Moreover, we would like students to learn the relationship between the catalytic properties and chemical processes and to understand the importance of catalyst to build a sustainable society.
It is not too much to say that there is the discovery of a new catalyst in the appearance of the new chemical industry. At the end of this course, students will be able to learn the role of catalyst in chemical industry (relationship between chemical process and catalyst, needs of catalyst development, and way of thinking about practical catalyst and its essential condition ) as well as to understand the basic concepts on catalytic chemistry with backgrounds such as physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry. In addition, we would like the students to learn the latest topics including catalyst materials and processes for energy and chemicals production, characterization method, and scientific improvement in catalysis and to apply the knowledge to design and develop practical catalyst materials.
catalyst, chemical process, kinetics, equilibrium, characterization, structure, synthesis, reaction mechanism
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Towards the end of class, students are given brief exercise problems related to what is taught on that day to solve.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Basic concepts on catalytic chemistry | History of catalyst development, kind of catalyst |
Class 2 | Kinetics and equilibrium | Rate and equilibrium of chemical reaction, equation of reaction rate, activation energy |
Class 3 | Heterogeneous catalyst –Bulk and surface characterization of catalyst- | X-ray diffraction, electron microscope,Ultraviolet and visibile, electron-paramagnetic-resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance |
Class 4 | Surface characterization of heterogeneous catalyst –adsorption- | Phenomena of adsorption, pore distribution, measurement of the surface acidity/basicity |
Class 5 | Structure and synthesis of catalyst | Selection of element, support, preparation method for catalyst |
Class 6 | Reaction mechanism for heterogeneous catalyst | Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism, Rideal-Eley mechanism |
Class 7 | Reaction mechanism for homogeneous catalyst | Ligand exchange reaction, oxidative addition, reductive elimination, migratory insertion, beta-hydrido elimination |
Class 8 | Catalytic process –organic synthesis and polymerization catalysts- | Hydroformylation, olefin polymerization, asymmetric catalytic reaction |
Class 9 | Catalytic process –oxidation catalyst- | allylic oxidation, ammoxidation, oxidative dehydroration, oxirane synthesis |
Class 10 | Catalytic process -acid/base catalyst- | Alkylation, cracking, isomerization, disproportionation, hydration, dehydration |
Class 11 | catalytic process -photocatalyst- | Complete decomposition of water, application to environmental purification |
Class 12 | Catalytic process –environmental catalyst- | Automotive catalyst, green chemistry |
Class 13 | Catalytic process –energy conversion catalyst- | Catalytic combustion, fuel cell |
Class 14 | Catalytic process –ammonia synthesis catalysts- | Haber–Bosch process, application of ammonia |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Please refer to either of the following reference books.
Yasukazu Saito, Makoto Misonom, "Catalytic Chemistry 2nd Edition", Maruzen
Eiichi Kikuchi, Koichi Segawa, Akio Tada, Hideshi Hattori, Yuzo Imizu, "New Catalytic Chemistry", Sankyo
Hiromi Yamashita, Tsunehiro Tanaka, "Scientific Introduction of Catalyst and Photocatalyst", Kodansha
Students will be assessed on their understanding of catalytic chemistry and its application. Students’ course scores are based on a final exam (80%) and exercise problems (20%).
No prerequisites.
Michikazu Hara hara.m.ae[at]m.titech.ac.jp 045-924-5311
Keigo Kamata kamata.k.ac[at]m.titech.ac.jp 045-924-5338
Masaaki Kitano kitano.m.aa[at]m.titech.ac.jp 045-924-5191
Contact by e-mail in advance to schedule an appointment.