Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• describe the concepts of solid state structure, surface reconstruction and segregation
• describe the most common adsorption processes and how one can study these using Langmuir and BET isotherms, as well as Lennard-Jones potentials
• describe different methods for surface functionalisation
• explain the importance of surface functionalisation for various industrial applications (e.g. within renewable energy and biotechnology)
• use surface thermodynamic methods in the study of chemical composition and geometrical structure
• describe surface processes and their kinetics for various important industrial catalytic processes

Content

Basic and general principles of solid surface structures, surface reconstruction, and segregation. Detailed adsorption processes on metallic, covalent and ionic crystal surfaces. Surface functionalisation (e.g. organic) for different applications. The effect of surrounding atmosphere on functionalised surface reactivity and electronic property. Surface thermodynamics. Surface mechanism and kinetics of heterogeneous catalysis. Industrial catalytic processes.

Instruction

Lectures, demonstrations and laboratory exercises

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course, 3 HE credits. Passed laboratory course and literature project is also required and is assigned 2 HE credits

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.