This book aims to introduce the basic concepts involved in industrial catalytic processes. It is profusely illustrated with experimental results with the main objective of guiding how to select a suitable catalyst for specific processes. The book is divided in two parts. In the first part the basic concepts are addressed, regarding the existing theories, activity patterns and adsorption-desorption phenomena. In the second part the key experimental methods for the physicochemical characterization of catalysts are presented, as well as the currently used catalyst pre and post treatments. The last chapter describes some important in situ characterization techniques (e.g. XPS and TEM) and surface model patterns related to surface modifications occurring during the reaction. Thoroughly illustrated with microscopy images, spectroscopy data and schematics of reaction mechanisms, the book provides a powerful learning tool for students in undergraduate and graduate level courses on the field of catalysis. Exercises and resolved problems are provided, as well as experimental procedures to support laboratory classes. Furthermore, the content is presented in a carefully chosen sequence, reflecting the 30 year teaching experience of the author. The author, Professor Martin Schmal, sees the present book as a way of conveying basic knowledge needed for the development of more efficient catalysts (i.e. nanostructured materials) and novel industrial chemical processes in the fields of environmental chemistry, fine chemistry, hydrotreating of heavy oils, hydrogen production and biomass processing.

The first English edition of this book was published in 2014. This book was originally intended for undergraduate and graduate students and had one major objective: teach the basic concepts of kinetics and reactor design. The main reason behind the book is the fact that students frequently have great difficulty to explain the basic phenomena that occur in practice. Therefore, basic concepts with examples and many exercises are presented in each topic, instead of specific projects of the industry. The main objective was to provoke students to observe kinetic phenomena and to think about them. Indeed, reactors cannot be designed and operated without knowledge of kinetics. Additionally, the empirical nature of kinetic studies is recognized in the present edition of the book. For this reason, analyses related to how experimental errors affect kinetic studies are performed and illustrated with actual data. Particularly, analytical and numerical solutions are derived to represent the uncertainties of reactant conversions in distinct scenarios and are used to analyze the quality of the obtained parameter estimates. Consequently, new topics that focus on the development of analytical and numerical procedures for more accurate description of experimental errors in reaction systems and of estimates of kinetic parameters have been included in this version of the book. Finally, kinetics requires knowledge that must be complemented and tested in the laboratory. Therefore, practical examples of reactions performed in bench and semi-pilot scales are discussed in the final chapter. This edition of the book has been organized in two parts. In the first part, a thorough discussion regarding reaction kinetics is presented. In the second part, basic equations are derived and used to represent the performances of batch and continuous ideal reactors, isothermal and non-isothermal reaction systems and homogeneous and heterogeneous reactor vessels, as illustrated with several examples and exercises. This textbook will be of great value to undergraduate and graduate students in chemical engineering as well as to graduate students in and researchers of kinetics and catalysis.

The first English edition of this book was published in 2014. This book was originally intended for undergraduate and graduate students and had one major objective: teach the basic concepts of kinetics and reactor design. The main reason behind the book is the fact that students frequently have great difficulty to explain the basic phenomena that occur in practice. Therefore, basic concepts with examples and many exercises are presented in each topic, instead of specific projects of the industry. The main objective was to provoke students to observe kinetic phenomena and to think about them. Indeed, reactors cannot be designed and operated without knowledge of kinetics. Additionally, the empirical nature of kinetic studies is recognized in the present edition of the book. For this reason, analyses related to how experimental errors affect kinetic studies are performed and illustrated with actual data. Particularly, analytical and numerical solutions are derived to represent the uncertainties of reactant conversions in distinct scenarios and are used to analyze the quality of the obtained parameter estimates. Consequently, new topics that focus on the development of analytical and numerical procedures for more accurate description of experimental errors in reaction systems and of estimates of kinetic parameters have been included in this version of the book. Finally, kinetics requires knowledge that must be complemented and tested in the laboratory. Therefore, practical examples of reactions performed in bench and semi-pilot scales are discussed in the final chapter. This edition of the book has been organized in two parts. In the first part, a thorough discussion regarding reaction kinetics is presented. In the second part, basic equations are derived and used to represent the performances of batch and continuous ideal reactors, isothermal and non-isothermal reaction systems and homogeneous and heterogeneous reactor vessels, as illustrated with several examples and exercises. This textbook will be of great value to undergraduate and graduate students in chemical engineering as well as to graduate students in and researchers of kinetics and catalysis.

This book aims to introduce the basic concepts involved in industrial catalytic processes. It is profusely illustrated with experimental results with the main objective of guiding how to select a suitable catalyst for specific processes. The book is divided in two parts. In the first part the basic concepts are addressed, regarding the existing theories, activity patterns and adsorption-desorption phenomena. In the second part the key experimental methods for the physicochemical characterization of catalysts are presented, as well as the currently used catalyst pre and post treatments. The last chapter describes some important in situ characterization techniques (e.g. XPS and TEM) and surface model patterns related to surface modifications occurring during the reaction. Thoroughly illustrated with microscopy images, spectroscopy data and schematics of reaction mechanisms, the book provides a powerful learning tool for students in undergraduate and graduate level courses on the field of catalysis. Exercises and resolved problems are provided, as well as experimental procedures to support laboratory classes. Furthermore, the content is presented in a carefully chosen sequence, reflecting the 30 year teaching experience of the author. The author, Professor Martin Schmal, sees the present book as a way of conveying basic knowledge needed for the development of more efficient catalysts (i.e. nanostructured materials) and novel industrial chemical processes in the fields of environmental chemistry, fine chemistry, hydrotreating of heavy oils, hydrogen production and biomass processing.