Physical Chemistry of Surfaces

Code:

EQ0087

Acronym:

QFS

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Physical Sciences (Chemistry)

Instance: 2015/2016 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Chemical Engineering
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Chemical Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIEQ	97	Syllabus	3	-	6	49	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

1. This course unit aims to endow students with advanced knowledge in Surfaces and Interfaces, together with skills in the interpretation of physical and chemical phenomena and textural characterization of porous materials.
2. A holistic and interdisciplinary approach to problems will be used.
3. This course unit also aims to develop students’ critical and creative spirit.

Learning outcomes and competences

To adquire knowledge about surfaces and interfaces, as well as the ability to interpret current physico-chemical phenomena and to characterize porous materials.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

 

 

 

Program

1. Chemistry and Physics of Surfaces
Surface tension and contact angle; Laplace, Kelvin and Young equations
Cohesion, adhesion and spreading
Methods to determine surface tension and contact angle; Porosimetry
Formation of insoluble monolayers;
Adsorption from solution: Gibb’s equation; Detergency and flotation;

2. Adsorption at the Gas/Solid Interface and Textural Characterization of Porous Materials
Physical and chemical adsorption; Equilibrium and adsorption isotherms;
Porous solids; mechanisms of vapour retention;
Analysis of physical adsorption isotherms: B.E.T method;
Standard isotherms; Analysis of adsorption isotherms by –t and –ALFA methods;
Capillary condensation and evaporation; application of Kelvin’s equation;
Adsorption in microporous solids
Characterization of porous materials (adsorbents and catalysts); Activated carbon 

Mandatory literature

Paul C. Hiemenz, Raj Rajagopalan; Principles of colloid and surface chemistry. ISBN: 0-8247-9397-8
José Luís Figueiredo, Fernando Ramôa Ribeiro ; com co-autoria com José Melo Órfão, Francisco L; Catálise heterogénea. ISBN: 978-972-31-1204-7

Complementary Bibliography

Arthur W. Adamson, Alice P. Gast; Physical chemistry of surfaces. ISBN: 0-471-14873-3 encaernado
S. J. Gregg, K. S. W. Sing; Adsorption, surface area and porosity. ISBN: 0-12-3000956-1

Teaching methods and learning activities

Classes will be based on the presentation of the theoretical themes of the course unit and examples. In the theoretical-practical classes, exercises will be discussed and solved.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	50,00
Participação presencial	0,00
Teste	50,00
Total:	100,00

Eligibility for exams

To be admitted to tests, students cannot miss more classes than allowed by the appropriate regulations.

Calculation formula of final grade

Final Grade will be based on the following formula: C = x T1 + (1-x) T2
T1 - grade in the first test (April 21, 9,30 - 11,30)
T2 - grade in the second test (June 7)
 x - "weight" corresponding to the first test (between 0.4 and 0.5); it depends on the subjects under evaluation in the first test; students will know the value of x before the test.


Students who attended this course unit in the previous year, do not need to attend classes (but they can attend as many classes as they want). However, they should be present in the two tests.

Unsuccessful students have access to an exam, which involves the full content of the discipline. This exame will define the final grade. 
 

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Students have to attend an exam at the appropriate season. Their grades will be based on the classification achieved in the exam.

Classification improvement

In order to improve their grades, students have to attend an exam, which will be as the final exam for unsuccessful students.