CBE 735 Kinetics and Catalysis

3 graduate credits

Instructor: Professor Thatcher W. Root
Phone: 608/262-8999
E-mail: thatcher@engr.wisc.edu

Course objective:
Students will learn to use the basic principles of chemical kinetics as applied to complex reaction systems, with particular emphasis on catalytic reactions and heterogeneous catalysts.

Course description:
Concepts and definitions; sorption, isotherms and heats; rate expressions, reaction mechanisms, simplifications, microkinetic treatment; transport effects, research reactors, characterization of catalytic sites and adsorbed species; classes of catalysts; current problems in catalytic research.

Prerequisite:
Introductory courses in chemical kinetics and chemical reactors or consent of instructor.

Homework:
Problems assigned weekly.

Exams:
Midterm and final.

Computer language:
Access to equation solver or symbolic math package.

Computer facilities:
PC, Macintosh or UNIX workstation; Internet access helpful.

Textbook:
Chemical Kinetics, K.J. Laidler, 3rd Ed., HarperCollins, NY, 1987.

Project:
Final project on a topic selected by the student.

Course notes:
Sent upon receipt of enrollment.