2024
Solids and Surfaces
Name: Solids and Surfaces
Code: QUI11984L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Chemistry
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
It is intended that the students acquire fundamental knowledge on the textural properties of solids and the
corresponding characterisation methods. At the end of the curricular unit, the students should: know the
pore structure and surface chemistry of adsorbents and catalysts of current importance; know the
theoretical fundamentals of the characterisation methods; compare critically the methods based on the
underlying theoretical fundamentals and the characteristics of the solid; select the methods for obtaining
information required for specific applications, recognising their complementarity; recognize the
importance of the surface characteristics in the performance of the solid in different applications. It is also
the intention that students develop the capacity for initiative and skills in the planning and execution of
laboratory tasks, in the analysis of a significant group of results, in the organisation of information and its
coherent presentation in a detailed written report.
corresponding characterisation methods. At the end of the curricular unit, the students should: know the
pore structure and surface chemistry of adsorbents and catalysts of current importance; know the
theoretical fundamentals of the characterisation methods; compare critically the methods based on the
underlying theoretical fundamentals and the characteristics of the solid; select the methods for obtaining
information required for specific applications, recognising their complementarity; recognize the
importance of the surface characteristics in the performance of the solid in different applications. It is also
the intention that students develop the capacity for initiative and skills in the planning and execution of
laboratory tasks, in the analysis of a significant group of results, in the organisation of information and its
coherent presentation in a detailed written report.
Contents
Structure and surface texture. Surface chemical properties - type and degree of regularity of the porosity of
various materials of fundamental importance as adsorbents and catalysts. Infra-red spectroscopy applied
to the study of surface chemistry. Helium and Hg pycnometry. Estimation of specific surface area from
particle size from TEM, SEM and XRD. Adsorption from the liquid phase. Adsorption from the gas phase.
Mercury porosimetry. Immersion calorimetry. Isosteric enthalpies of adsorption.
Execution of a laboratory project, analysis of the results, developed report and respective oral
presentation.
various materials of fundamental importance as adsorbents and catalysts. Infra-red spectroscopy applied
to the study of surface chemistry. Helium and Hg pycnometry. Estimation of specific surface area from
particle size from TEM, SEM and XRD. Adsorption from the liquid phase. Adsorption from the gas phase.
Mercury porosimetry. Immersion calorimetry. Isosteric enthalpies of adsorption.
Execution of a laboratory project, analysis of the results, developed report and respective oral
presentation.
Teaching Methods
Teaching is carried out in theoretical lecture classes and practical laboratory classes. The active
participation of the students is encouraged by way of replies to questions placed by the lecturer and
students, and the resolution of problems exemplifying the subjects treated. In the practical classes the
students, in groups of 2 to 3 students, carry out a laboratory project lasting the whole semester, which
involves studies and characterisation of a material from various aspects and which culminates with a
detailed report and corresponding oral presentation.
Evaluation is carried out by way of written tests (T) and practical elements (P) with the final mark given by
0.6T+0.4P. The T mark will be the average of marks obtained in 2 written tests, carried out in the middle and
end of the semester, or of a final exam. The P mark includes continuous evaluation of performance in the
laboratory classes, classification of the report and classification of the oral presentation.
participation of the students is encouraged by way of replies to questions placed by the lecturer and
students, and the resolution of problems exemplifying the subjects treated. In the practical classes the
students, in groups of 2 to 3 students, carry out a laboratory project lasting the whole semester, which
involves studies and characterisation of a material from various aspects and which culminates with a
detailed report and corresponding oral presentation.
Evaluation is carried out by way of written tests (T) and practical elements (P) with the final mark given by
0.6T+0.4P. The T mark will be the average of marks obtained in 2 written tests, carried out in the middle and
end of the semester, or of a final exam. The P mark includes continuous evaluation of performance in the
laboratory classes, classification of the report and classification of the oral presentation.
