KEMS4540 Surface Chemistry and Catalysis (5 cr)

• Introduction to catalysis and its significance to the society
• Basic concepts in catalysis
• Structure and properties of metal and oxide surfaces, 
• Basics in heterogeneous thermo- and electrocatalysis 
• Microscopic and macroscopic  factors controlling stability, activity and selectivity of catalytic materials, 
• Introduction to reaction kinetics of surfaces reactions and application to simple catalytic reactions
• Experimental and theoretical tools, 
• Industrially important catalytic reactions such as ammonia synthesis, 
• The role of catalysis in energy transition and sustainable solutions in chemical industry 
  

A student who has successfully completed the course comprehensively understands the characteristics and reactivity of surfaces and catalysts in both thermo- and electrocatalytic applications. A student has  familiarized oneself with various experimental and theoretical tools and methods, gaining experience in how these can be applied to scientific questions within catalysis research. Moreover, the student has extensively explored significant applications of catalysis within the contexts of sustainable development, green energy, and the circular economy. A student understands better  the role of catalytic processes in the chemical industry and developing environmentally sustainable solutions. This deepens the student's perspective on the pivotal role of catalysis in shaping a sustainable future across various industrial sectors and in energy production.

The student is capable of utilizing computational and experimental results to comprehend the properties of catalysts and catalytic reactions across various applications. The independent written work completed during the course, along with its oral presentation, contributes to the development of general professional skills.

The course is lectured in academic years 2024-2025 in period 3 and 2026-2027 in period 4. The course can be taken by book exam in 2025-2026 and 2027-2028.

Recommended prerequisities KEMA2240 Chemical Thermodynamics and KEMA2250 Structure of atoms and molecules or equivalent knowledge.

• I. Chorkendorff AND J.W. Niemantsverdriet: Concepts of Modern Catalysis and Kinetics (ISBN: 3572305742)