CH4AP2: Catalysis and Reactivity at Solid Surfaces and in Solution

Module code: CH4AP2

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

Credits: 20

Level: Level 4 (Undergraduate Masters)

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Kevin Lovelock, email: k.r.j.lovelock@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Joanne Elliott, email: j.m.elliott@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE CH3CC2 OR ( TAKE CH3P1 AND TAKE CH3P2 ) (Compulsory)

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

The module purpose is for you to develop an ability to apply physical theory and techniques to understand catalytic reactions and reactivity at solid surfaces and in solution. You will develop your knowledge by studying the core lecture topics in some depth alongside opportunities to gain an understanding of how to analyse and interpret data from a range of techniques.  

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Analyse, interpret and present data from a range of techniques in an appropriate format;
2. Understand the factors determining surface structure and catalytic activity and explain how differences in activity are found between different surfaces;
3. Classify intermolecular interactions relevant to ions in solution, understand solvent polarity and predict the best solvent for a process/reaction using a range of data sources.

Module content

The solid gas interface (10 lectures + 2 workshops + 1 seminar)

Physical chemistry of solid surfaces. Surface structure, catalytic activity, adsorption isotherms, heterogenous catalysis and kinetic models.

Ion solvation (8 lectures + 2 workshops + 1 seminar)

Physical chemistry of ions in solution. Ions in bulk solutions: classification of intermolecular ion-solvent interactions; solvent polarity; identification of the best solvent for a process/reaction. Ions at surfaces and interfaces: geometric structure; electronic structure; applications.

Characterisation of materials with electrons and x-rays (8 Lectures + 6 hour External Visit + 2 seminars)

Underlying physical principles of multiple X-ray and electron-based techniques and the experimental requirements for successful materials characterisation. External visit to synchrotron facility.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Core material will be delivered in lectures (=26) and accompanied by workshops (=4) to develop skills in the application of knowledge. One external visit (=6) will improve understanding of research applications and seminars (=4) will develop confidence in problem solving. 

Study hours

At least 30 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 can receive feedback on their work during the workshop and seminar sessions. 

Reassessment

Additional costs