Sustainable chemicals manufacture: concepts/tools

CH-480 / 4 credits

Teacher(s): Guillen Gosalbez Gonzalo, Mitchell Sharon Jane, Pérez-Ramírez Javier

Language: English

Summary

This course introduces tools to design and evaluate sustainable routes for chemicals and materials manufacture. You will understand approaches to process design and optimization, from the molecular to the planet level, and learn the fundamentals of sustainable chemistry.

Content

Sustainable chemistry embodies the design and efficient manufacture of chemicals from abundant and renewable raw materials using routes that minimize energy requirements, avoid damaging the environment and human health, and are economically viable. It is a powerful tool to help society achieve several of the Sustainable Development Goals identified by the United Nations.

Structure of the course:

-    Introduction to green versus sustainable chemistry

-    Sustainability dimensions and metrics

-    Corporate sustainability, economics, and policy

-    Renewable energy conversions

-    Alternative carbon sources for chemicals

-    Other resources including precious metals and solvents

-    Chemistry of recycling

-    Chemical fate and toxicological effects

-    Industrial view

Each topic will be presented by a lecturer or guest speaker with relevant expertise.

 

Keywords

Sustainable Chemistry

Sustainability metrics

Alternative carbon sources

Recycling

Chemical manufacture

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

No special knowledge beyond the undergraduate curriculum in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. Students wishing to attend the course from other backgrounds should contact the lecturers to discuss the fit.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Integrate the fundamentals of sustainable chemistry in process design
  • Assess / Evaluate sustainable routes for chemicals and materials manufacture
  • Analyze approaches to process design and optimization, from the molecular to the planet level

Assessment methods

Session examination

The exam will account for 70% of the grade. The exercise will account for the remainder of the grade. Completion of the exercise is required to attend the exam.

Calculators are permitted

Resources

Bibliography

Klöpffer, W., Grahl, B. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A Guide to Best Practice, Wiley (2014)

Ressources en bibliothèque

Notes/Handbook

Course content based on slides

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Sustainable chemicals manufacture: concepts/tools
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Practical work: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Sustainable chemicals manufacture: concepts/tools
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Practical work: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Sustainable chemicals manufacture: concepts/tools
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Practical work: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Sustainable chemicals manufacture: concepts/tools
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Practical work: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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