PhD Courses in Denmark

Welcome to Catalysis for Renewable Energy: Advances and Applications in Heterogeneous Catalysis (2025)

Description: This course provides a comprehensive exploration of heterogeneous catalysis with a focus on its critical role in renewable energy technologies. Participants will delve into the principles of catalyst preparation, characterization, and reaction mechanisms, learning how these processes are applied in key areas such as biomass conversion, hydrogen production, and CO2 utilization. The course also addresses the pressing need for more efficient and sustainable catalytic processes, driven by the global energy transition towards greener technologies. While the primary focus is on the fundamentals and applications of catalysis, the course will also introduce the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a powerful tool to optimize catalytic processes and accelerate research. Through case studies, exercises, and analysis of current research, participants will gain valuable insights into the challenges and future directions in the field of heterogeneous catalysis for renewable energy solutions.

Key words: Catalyst Preparation & Characterization, Catalytic Mechanisms, Biomass Conversion, CO2 Conversion, Hydrogen Production, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science, preferably at the graduate level. 

Learning objectives: 

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the fundamental principles of heterogeneous catalysis, including catalytic mechanisms, types of catalysts, and their specific roles in renewable energy applications. AAC
• Apply advanced techniques for the preparation and characterization of heterogeneous catalysts, such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. AAC
• Assess the performance and effectiveness of catalytic processes used in renewable energy technologies, including biomass conversion, hydrogen production, CO2 capture and conversion, and the integration of AI in catalytic processes. 
• Develop and propose innovative solutions and improvements for catalytic processes, addressing current challenges and leveraging recent advancements in the field.
• Integrate knowledge from theoretical and practical aspects of catalysis to solve complex problems and design research experiments related to renewable energy.
• Reflect on current research trends, identify emerging areas of interest, and critically analyze case studies to inform future research directions and strategies in heterogeneous catalysis for sustainable energy.

Teaching methods: Lectures, Group work, Presentations, Small assignments, Excercise

Form of evaluation:

The course evaluation will be based on the following components (TBD):

• Group Mini-Report: Students will collaborate in groups to produce a mini-report that addresses a specific challenge in heterogeneous catalysis for renewable energy, incorporating AI-driven approaches where applicable.
• Peer Assessment: Students will evaluate each other’s contributions within the group to ensure accountability and engagement.
• Individual Reflection: Each student will submit a brief reflection on what they learned during the course, including their insights into the use of AI in catalysis and how they might apply this knowledge in their future research.

Criteria for assessment: Pass/not pass

Remarks: In total about 75 hours: 50 teaching and practicing, 10 hours for preparations, 15 hours for participant report.

Key literature: TBA

Organizer: Assistant Professor: Abdenour Achour aac@energy.aau.dk. 

Lecturers: 

Assistant Professor, Abdenour Achour, AAU Energy,

Deniele Castelo, Associate Professor, AAU Energy, 

Vincenzo Liso, Associate Professor, AAU Energy, 

Assistant Professor, Kamaldeep Sharma, AAU Energy.

ECTS: 3.0

Time: 6, 7 and 8 October 2025

Place: Aalborg University, AAU Energy (Room: TBA)

Zip code: 9220

City: Aalborg

Maximal number of participants: 15

Deadline: 15 September 2025