Admission requirements
Core course in MSc Chemistry – Energy and Sustainability, elective course in MSc Chemistry - Chemical Biology, MSc Physics, MSc Astronomy
For students with a BSc degree in MST or equivalent. Other candidates should have a solid background in physical chemistry/chemical physics, quantum mechanics, kinetics, spectroscopy, statistical thermodynamics, and catalysis.
Description
Many properties of solids are strongly influenced or even determined by the behavior of the outermost atomic layers of the material, the surface. Surfaces are also key to many physical and chemical processes with high societal value. For example, heterogeneous (electro)catalysis relies on special surface properties of particular metals and metal oxides. Deposition and growth of semiconductors is critical to the electronics industry. Yet, surfaces form a relatively young field of research in chemistry, physics, and even astronomy.
In this course, we will discuss surface science with the specific aim of understanding heterogeneous catalysis. Heterogeneous catalysis is a crucial technology in modern society. Approximately 90% of all chemicals and materials around us are produced using catalysis and catalysis impacts around one-quarter of the world’s gross domestic product. Hereto, we will study surface phenomena and surface properties and experimental and theoretical techniques to investigate these. Applying this to heterogeneous catalysis, we will discuss the two common research approaches in heterogeneous catalysis; the kinetics and thermodynamics of catalysis; the preparation and characterization of catalysts; the activity, selectivity, and stability of catalysts; and examples of industrially important heterogeneously catalyzed chemical reactions.
Every lecture, a new subject is introduced by a 45-minute lecture and one or two of the participants present papers from the recent scientific literature in relation to a previously discussed topic.
Course objectives
At the end of the course students:
have gained basic knowledge of the structure of surfaces, various physical and chemical phenomena taking place at solid surfaces, and common experimental and theoretical techniques that reveal information on surfaces and adsorbates;
are capable of applying this knowledge to solve problems related to physical and chemical aspects of solid surfaces, kinetics and thermodynamics of heterogeneous catalysis, and activity, selectivity, and stability of catalysts;
will have knowledge of fundamental principles of heterogeneous catalysis;
will have knowledge of common methods for preparation and characterization of (model) catalysts;
can describe some of the industrial processes involving heterogeneous catalysis;
can describe the two common research approaches in heterogeneous catalysis;
can digest and present a summary of scientific articles from the literature.
Timetable
Schedule information can be found on the website of the programmes.
You will find the timetables for all courses and degree programmes of Leiden University in the tool MyTimetable (login). Any teaching activities that you have sucessfully registered for in MyStudyMap will automatically be displayed in MyTimeTable. Any timetables that you add manually, will be saved and automatically displayed the next time you sign in.
MyTimetable allows you to integrate your timetable with your calendar apps such as Outlook, Google Calendar, Apple Calendar and other calendar apps on your smartphone. Any timetable changes will be automatically synced with your calendar. If you wish, you can also receive an email notification of the change. You can turn notifications on in ‘Settings’ (after login).
For more information, watch the video or go the the 'help-page' in MyTimetable.
Mode of instruction
Lectures, exercises, and student presentations followed by group discussion.
Assessment method
Presentation by students (50%)
Written examination (50%)
Both assessments have to be passed with a 6.0 or higher.
Presence at the lectures and discussion meetings is obligatory.
Reading list
The course is based on the following books:
Surface Science: An Introduction, K. Oura, V.G. Lifshits, A.A. Saranin, A.V. Zotov, and M. Katayama, Springer 2003 (or reprint from 2010);
Surface Science: Foundations of Catalysis and Nanoscience, 3rd ed., K. Kolasinski, Wiley 2012;
John Meurig Thomas and W. John Thomas, Principles and Practice of Heterogeneous Catalysis, 2nd edition, Wiley 2014;
Ulf Haneveld and Leon Lefferts (Eds.), Catalysis, An Integrated Textbook for Students, Wiley-VCH 2018.
In addition, articles from the primary literature are used.
Registration
very student has to register for courses with the enrollment tool MyStudyMap. There are two registration periods per year: registration for the fall semester opens in July and registration for the spring semester opens in December. Please see this page for more information.
Please note that it is compulsory to register your participation for every exam and retake. Not being registered for a course means that you are not allowed to participate in the final exam of the course.
Extensive FAQ's on MyStudymap can be found here.
Contact
Remarks
Assignment deadlines are communicated via Brightspace.
According to OER article 4.8, students are entitled to view their marked examination for a period of 30 days following the publication of the results of a written examination. Students should contact the lecturer to make an appointment for such an inspection session.