In the Environmental Catalysis Module, a joint project with the Institute for Environmental Catalysis at Northwestern University, students learn what a catalyst is and become aware of the use of catalysis to promote environmental protection. Besides introducing the concept of catalysis, the module also focuses other issues such as catalytic selectivity, specificity, poisoning, condition optimization, and waste minimization. The first activity of the module introduces the concept of catalysis in a visual and dramatic way. Then students conduct an Internet search on catalysis research, the aim of which is to emphasize the personal relevance of catalysis with regard to environmental issues. In the remaining activities, students analyze different types of catalytic systems, including homogeneous and heterogeneous acid catalysis, thermocatalysis applied to eliminate gaseous pollutants, and photocatalytic degradation of water pollutants using nanocrystalline titania (TiO2), all of which are emblematic of a variety of research areas in environmental catalysis. In their study, students focus on concepts such as catalytic selectivity, specificity, poisoning, condition optimization, and waste minimization. Finally, in the culminating design project, students are challenged to design, construct, test, and evaluate a unique catalytic system to eliminate water pollutants.

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