Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title CHEMISTRY FOR SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES
Code CHEM284
Coordinator Dr JA Lopez-Sanchez
Chemistry
J.Lopez-Sanchez@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2014-15 Level Two Second Semester 7.5

Aims

This module introduces the basic concepts of sustainability and sustainable development, particularly in relation to their technological underpinnings. The module will address the role of chemistry in relation to broad societal, environmental and developmental questions. The module also gives a fundamental understanding of the principles and technologies in Green Chemistry and the generation of Renewable Energy and Chemicals.

The aims of the module are:

  • To explain the concepts and terminology of sustainability and sustainable development.
  • To highlight the role of science and technology in working towards sustainable development.
  • To illustrate the central role of thermodynamics and metrics in the critical and comparative assessment of the efficiency and impact of chemical technologies.
  • To exemplify new approaches to chemistry in the development of more sustainable chemical technologies.
  • To provide the student with a fundamental understanding of the principles of Green Chemistry and a fundamental knowledge in new technologies for the generation of renewable energy and chemicals.

 


Learning Outcomes

Students should be be able to demonstrate understanding of the:

1. basic terminology of sustainable development and 'green' chemistry

2. non-rigorous nature of this terminology and its consequences

3. importance of thermodynamic principles in judgements about what may be considered sustainable.

4. strengths and weaknesses of 'green' chemistry

5. importance of catalysis in developing sustainable chemical technologies and the challenges associated with their implementation

6. basics of new technologies in the generation of renewable energy and chemicals.


Syllabus
0 

1. Sustainability and Sustainable Development: Concepts, Perspectives, Priorities and Implications

 2. Carrying Capacity, the ‘Master’ Equation and the Role of Technology (including Chemical Technology)

3. Chemistry of the Environment; Climate Change and Global warming

4. Chemistry of the Environment; Waste and pollution

5. Central Importance of the Second Law of Thermodynamics: The Concept of Exergy:  Ethanol manufacture

6. Reaction and Process Metrics in Chemistry and Chemical Technology

7. Principles of Green Chemistry

8. Importance of Catalysis in Sustainability

9. Emerging G reener Technologies: photochemical, microwave and sonochemical reactions

10. Energy Production Technologies

11. Energy from Renewables: Wind, Solar and Tidal Energy.

12. Biomass as a Renewable Source for Chemicals and Fuels: Biorefinary models

13. Biofuels (1st, 2nd and 3rd generation)

14. Renewable Chemicals from Biomass: platform chemicals

15. Renewable Chemicals from Biomass: biopolymers

16. Alternative Economies: Hydrogen, Syngas and Methanol.

17. Electrochemical conversion of Energy: Fuel Cells and Batteries

 

 


Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module consists of 17 lectures (50 minutes) to be complemented by one revision lecture at the end of term.  Students should expect to spend at least eight hours in the completion of the assignment and a further five hours per week in private study related to this module.


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 18

           18
Timetable (if known) ORBIT will advise
  		           
Private Study 57
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Written Examination  1.5 hours  second  80  August resit for Year 2 students only. See notes.    Year 3 (and Year 4) students resit at the next normal opportunity.  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assignment comprising of a 5000 word essay to test general understanding of the concepts introduced and their appropriate illustration with examples taken from lecture material and from other sources.    second  20  No  Standard University Policy applies - see Department/School handbook for details.  This work is not marked anonymously  

Recommended Texts

"Chemistry for Sustainable Technologies: a Foundation" Neil Winterton, RSC Publishing, 2011.

Advanced reading:

"Green Chemistry: An Introductory Text" Mike lancaster, RSC Publishing, 2010

"Renewable Energy" Bent Sorensen, Academic Press, 2010

"Chemical and Biochemical Catalysis for Next Generation Biofuels" Blake A. Simmons, RSC Publishing, 2011