The course will introduce the techniques involved in catalyst characterisation. Topics to be covered will include the measurement and determination of structure using XRD, Raman, XAFS and EM. Determining the chemical nature of the surface will be exemplified using thermal methods, chemisorption and FTIR. Bulk and supported catalyst systems will both be covered as will the use of probe molecules.

One-week course with tutorial component delivered fortnightly throughout semester 1.

None

None

written exam (100%), 3 questions from a choice of 4

The aim of this course is to explain the physical and chemical nature of the active catalyst and how best to measure and characterise its properties.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Evaluate which catalyst characterisation technique is most suitable to determine a given catalyst property

2. Distinguish between bulk and surface sensitive techniques of catalyst characterisation

3. Compare the advantages and limitations of a given technique

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.