Chemistry Taster Session: Zeolites and their Diverse Applications

Zeolites and their Diverse Applications for an Improved Quality of Life: Zeolites are fascinating materials, which transformed the post WWII economies of the developed world through their industrial use as shape-selective catalysts for crude oil conversion. In this session, several case studies describing the use of zeolites in novel diverse and multidisciplinary applications aimed at improving our quality of life will be discussed. These will include the preparation of dentures with long term antimicrobial activity, the use of ultrasmall zeolites to sanitise surfaces, and the fabrication of zeolites from sustainable geothermal silica sources and their effectiveness in decreasing dual-fuel engine exhaust emissions or in air purification via photocatalytic volatile organic compound (VOC) oxidation. Examples of research-informed teaching at Manchester Met involving kinetic studies and rate equations will be then discussed.

This session lasts between 60-90 minutes. The main session is preceded by a welcome presentation and ends with a Q&A where students are free to ask questions. It is aimed at year group 12 and 13 and is delivered via MS Teams.