Module Code - Title:

CH4055 - ENVIRONMENTAL CATALYSIS

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

0

Tutorial

1

Other

1

Private

6

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

The rationale and purpose of this module is firstly to introduce catalysts and catalytic processes to students, with particular emphasis on end-of-pipe technologies for the control of gaseous pollutant from flue gasses and sustainable production and clean energy. Thereafter, the module presents an overview of procedures for the preparation and characterisation of catalysts, in particular catalysts relevant for the conversion of polluting substances into more environmentally acceptable components. The learning outcomes are aligned with UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) 7 (affordable and clean energy), 11 (sustainable cities and communities), 12 (responsible consumption and production) and 13 (climate action).

Syllabus:

Introduction to catalysis, Defining the environmental problem, Catalyst structure and preparation, Study of various end-of-pipe technologies including deNOx from stationary sources, deNOx from mobile sources (petrol and diesel), destruction of VOCs, SO2 control. Catalyst characterisation: Surface area analysis, Elemental analysis, XRD and XPS.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Define catalysis, both heterogeneous and homogeneous, and recognise the importance for the protection of the environment and sustainability; 2. Describe various types of catalysts and the methods for their preparation; 3. Describe a range of technologies currently used for the control of gaseous pollutions using an end of pipe approach; 4. Investigate recent developments in a selected end of pipe technology, sustainable energy production and increasing quality of air; 5. Analyse the performance of an end-of-pipe technology given characteristics of input and output flue gases; 6. Recognise the importance of a range of characterisation techniques (XRD, AA, nitrogen adsorption/desorption, and XPS) for the characterisation of catalysts.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

N/A

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

N/A

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

This module will be taught during the semester via a formal interactive lecturing and tutorial mode and will be assessed via in-term assignment(s) and an end-of-semester exam. In the context of graduate attributes, the students will be curious, in that they will have a good knowledge of pollution abatement technologies and have to ability to use current literature to innovate and advance solutions to current environmental issues. They will be able to articulate and present up-to-date research and collaborate to present a common task. They will develop their personal, social and professional responsibly in sustainable practices.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

R.J. Farrauto and RM Heck (2016) Catalytic Air Pollution Control: Commercial Technology (Edition 3) , Wiley

Other Relevant Texts:

Vicki H. Grassian (2005) Environmental Catalysis , CRC Taylor and Francis

Kutz, M. (editor) (2018) Handbook of Environmental Engineering , Wiley

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

HDENSCUFA - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

BSENSCUFA - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Autumn

Module Leader:

Teresa.Curtin@ul.ie