Course manual 2025/2026
Course content
Concepts comprise fundamental thermodynamic, kinetic and mechanistic considerations in design and application of catalysts for different types of green energy production, limitations, practical applications as well as characterization and analysis techniques. Active student participation.
Study materials
Literature
Suggested (NOT compulsory):
Barbaro and Bianchini, 'Catalysis for Sustainable Energy Production'
Ginley and Cahen, 'Fundamentals of Materials for Energy and Environmental Sustainability'
MacKay, 'Sustainable Energy - without the hot air'
Armaroli and Balzani, 'Energy for a Sustainable World'
Objectives
- At the end of the course the student has not only acquired a solid overview of current catalytic methodologies and research in the context of renewable energy storage but is also able to discuss and elaborate on mechanisms, criteria, developments and criticize conclusions and explanations from experts.
- The student is able to interpret basic Pourbaix diagrams, cyclic voltammograms, catalytic cycles and kinetic data related to relevant transformations.
- The student is able to explain pH dependence of redox-potentials of relevant (half-)reactions and to distinguish catalytic mechanisms based on experimental or computational data.
- The student is able to compare literature data and analyze and compare different catalysts for the same reaction based on performance.
- The student is capable of deriving oxidation states and how these change during catalytic events.
- The student can calculate, analyze and interpret data related to the performance of fuel cells.
- The student can integrate photochemical events into catalytic mechanisms for relevant transformations.
- The student can analyze, compare and discuss relevant mechanisms for the formation of solar fuels from cheap and readily available feedstocks, including but not limited to fossil and biorenewables.
- The student can interpret photochemical data connected to Marcus Theory to make assumptions about relative rates of electron transfer.
- The student can explain common mechanisms for relevant transformations, including but not limited to water splitting, CO2 reduction, nitrogen fixation and methanol synthesis and conversion.
- The students will acquire soft skills such as performing a literature presentation and writing a research proposal.
Teaching methods
- Lecture
- Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis
- Self-study
Lectures, literature assignment(s)
Learning activities
Activity | Number of hours |
Hoorcollege | 28 |
Tentamen | 3 |
Zelfstudie | 137 |
Attendance
This programme does not have requirements concerning attendance (TER part B).
Assessment
Inspection of assessed work
Contact the course coordinator to make an appointment for inspection.
Assignments
Literature presentation
Research proposal
Presentation counts 0.1 and Research proposal 0.2 for the final grade.
Fraud and plagiarism
The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl
Course structure
see schedule on Blackboard
Recommended prior knowledge: BSc Chemistry and/or basic understanding of principles of catalysis.
Coordinator