This book (first English edition 2014) has one major objective: teach (under)graduate students the basic concepts of kinetics and reactor design. This textbook will be of great value to (under)graduate students in chemical engineering as well as to graduate students in and researchers of kinetics and catalysis.
This book introduces fundamental concepts in industrial catalytic processes, featuring extensive illustrations of experimental results to guide catalyst selection for specific applications. It is structured in two parts: the first addresses basic concepts, including existing theories, activity patterns, and adsorption-desorption phenomena. The second part presents key experimental methods for the physicochemical characterization of catalysts, alongside current catalyst pre- and post-treatments. The final chapter covers important in situ characterization techniques, such as XPS and TEM, and discusses surface model patterns related to modifications during reactions. Richly illustrated with microscopy images, spectroscopy data, and reaction mechanism schematics, this resource serves as a powerful learning tool for undergraduate and graduate students in catalysis. It includes exercises, resolved problems, and experimental procedures to support laboratory classes, all presented in a carefully curated sequence reflecting the author's 30 years of teaching experience. Professor Martin Schmal aims to convey essential knowledge for developing more efficient catalysts, including nanostructured materials, and advancing novel industrial chemical processes in environmental chemistry, fine chemistry, hydrotreating of heavy oils, hydrogen production, and biomass processing.