CH4AI1: Advanced Topics in Inorganic Chemistry

Module code: CH4AI1

Module provider: Chemistry; School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy

Credits: 20

Level: Level 4 (Undergraduate Masters)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Paz Vaqueiro, email: p.vaqueiro@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): This module is only available to students in the Department of Chemistry. (Open)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

In this advanced course, you will learn about fundamental aspects of homogeneous catalysis and the magnetic and electronic properties of inorganic materials. In addition, homogeneous catalysis will be taught using specific examples of metal-catalysed processes to illustrate its application in important industrial contexts. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis and control of reaction mechanisms through identification of key intermediates and rate-determining steps. You will also discover how the underlying physical properties of inorganic materials can be exploited in functional materials for a range of technological applications. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Demonstrate critical understanding of the theory, principles and concepts of homogeneous catalysis and the magnetic and electronic properties of materials. 
2. Analyse numerical and conceptual data to solve relevant problems of an advanced nature. 
3. Relate the functionality of a material to its underlying physical properties. 
4. Interpret kinetic, thermodynamic and spectroscopic data on catalytic cycles and propose mechanisms for reactions. 

Module content

Magnetochemistry (5 lectures + 1 workshop + 1 revision workshop) 
 
Key concepts in the quantum theory of atomic structure will be reviewed. The quantities and unit systems of magnetochemistry will be introduced and the significance and origin of paramagnetism and diamagnetism in materials will be discussed. Following a brief review of experimental measurement techniques, the temperature dependence of magnetic behaviour and its application to inorganic materials will be surveyed. The principal types of co-operative magnetic phenomena will be presented. 
 
Electronic Properties of Solids (6 lectures + 1 workshop + 1 revision workshop) 
 
The band theory of solids will be used to explain the origin of metallic and non-metallic behaviour in inorganic materials. Band theory will be introduced as an extension of molecular orbital theory. The effects of electron repulsion in modifying the predictions of the simple theory will be described. Examples of the structures and properties of inorganic materials will be presented to illustrate how the underlying physical properties can give rise to specific functionalities. 
 
Functional Materials for Energy Applications (6 lectures + 1 workshop + 1 revision workshop) 
 
Key concepts in semiconductors. Principles of photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical conversion of solar energy. Materials for photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical devices. Principles of thermoelectric power generation. Materials for thermoelectric devices. 

Mechanisms in homogeneous catalysis (13 lectures + 2 workshops + 2 revision workshops) 

Reaction mechanisms in coordination and organometallic chemistry. Spectroscopic detection and identification of intermediates on different timescales. Tools in mechanistic analysis: kinetics with focus on pseudo-first order reactions, rate-determining step, thermodynamics (description of transient state), role of solvent, isotope-labelling and kinetic isotope effect. Dissociative and associative reactions of tetrahedral, square-planar and octahedral complexes. (6 lectures + 1 workshop + 1 revision workshop) 

Introduction to principal reactions undertaken at transition-metal centres. Description of important homogeneous catalytic cycles, including a consideration of mechanistic aspects. Asymmetric catalysis. (7 lectures, directed self-learning + 1 workshop + 1 revision workshop) 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Blocks of 5 or 6 lectures on a given topic will be followed by a workshop, in which students will apply the theory, principles and concepts to solve relevant problems.  

Web-based revision material on atomic structure will be provided to support the magnetochemistry component. 

Web-based material on Introduction to catalysis, including historical landmarks, industrial and environmental importance of catalysis and understanding how catalysis can occur heterogeneously and homogeneously, will also be provided. 

Study hours

At least 40 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 50% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Students will receive feedback on their work during the workshop sessions. 

Reassessment

Additional costs