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
In MyTimetable, you can find all course and programme schedules, allowing you to create your personal timetable. Activities for which you have enrolled via MyStudyMap will automatically appear in your timetable.
Additionally, you can easily link MyTimetable to a calendar app on your phone, and schedule changes will be automatically updated in your calendar. You can also choose to receive email notifications about schedule changes. You can enable notifications in Settings after logging in.
Questions? Watch the video, read the instructions, or contact the ISSC helpdesk.
Note: Joint Degree students from Leiden/Delft need to combine information from both the Leiden and Delft MyTimetables to see a complete schedule. This video explains how to do it.
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
As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.
In this short video, you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.
There are two enrolment periods per year:
Enrolment for the fall opens in July
Enrolment for the spring opens in December
See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.
Note:
It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.
Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.
Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.
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.
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.