QUESTION 15: REACTOR TECHNOLOGY

(a) Typically a catalyst is composed of a support, an active material, and a promoter. Discuss the role and nature of each catalyst component and give practical examples [15]

(b) For a given set of conditions does the use of a catalyst change the equilibrium constant or heat of reaction compared to the situation in which no catalyst is used? Explain . [5]

(c) What are the reasons you provide your management for investing your company's resources into catalyst characterisation [10]

(d) A catalyst has been sythesised and it is desired to know the following about the material: its chemical composition, functional groups present, phases present. State the characterisation equipment required for each test and the principle of operation [[10]

(e) The conversion of carbon dioxide to methanol has taken a central theme in research. Discuss the importance of thie reaction in mitigating global warming, its mechanism and current limitations [10]