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 | Biorenewable Chemicals from Biomass | ||
| Code | CHEM384 | ||
| Coordinator |
Dr JA Lopez-Sanchez Chemistry J.Lopez-Sanchez@liverpool.ac.uk |
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| Year | CATS Level | Semester | CATS Value |
| Session 2014-15 | Level Three | Second Semester | 7.5 |
Aims |
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Biomass represents the most important renewable source for chemicals and a new “Bioeconomy” is emerging based upon its exploitation. This module provides the student with chemical and technical knowledge into available biomass feedstocks and their application and an updated critical overview of the emerging renewable chemicals and industries that are at the core of these transformations. Particular emphasis is given to the processes of commercial application, as well as the opportunities, challenges, and new technologies emerging. |
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To develop the skills required to evaluate routes to biorenewable chemicals taking into consideration current economic, technological and sustainability issues. |
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To provide the students with an understanding of the current transformations that the chemical industry is undergoing and to enable them to identify potential business opportunities. |
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To provide the students with updated knowledge and skills in an emerging industrial activity that will widen and enhance career options. |
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To provide the students with basic knowledge of the chemistry of biomass and its applications. |
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Learning Outcomes |
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The students should be able to demonstrate understanding of:
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The students should be able to
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Syllabus |
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a. Green Chemistry and Biomass b. Sources of Biomass and Sustainability c. The Biorefinary concept i. Historical outline ii. Types of biorefinary iii. Examples of current biorefinaries d. The Bioeconomy 2. The Chemistry and components of Biomass a. Introduction b. Plant Oils c. Carbohydrates d. Lignin e. Proteins f. Waxes g. Secondary Metabolites 3. Biomass transformations: pretreatment and catalytic methods a. General considerations b. Methods for Biomass pretreatment c. Chemo-catalysis for biomass transformation a. General considerations b. Enzymes for biomass transformations
a. Syngas platform b. Biogas platform c. C6 and C6/C5 sugar platform d. Plant-based Oil platform e. Algae Oil platform f. Organic solutions platform g. Lignin Platform h. Pyrolysis oil platform 7. Commertial & near market products: C2 containing compounds. 8. Commercial & near market products: C3 containing compounds. 9. Commercial & near market products: C4 containing compounds. 10. Commercial & near market products: C5 containing compounds. 11. Commercial & near market products: C6 containing compounds. 12. Biorenewable Aromatic compounds. 13. Biobased renewable oleochemicals for home and personal care applications. 14. Biopolymers 15. Biotechnology for Biomass transformations: future perspectives 16. Biobased Chemicals: a. Opportunities and growth prediction b. Benefits of integration of fuels and chemicals production c. Product Commercialisation |
Teaching and Learning Strategies |
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Lectures. |
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Writing essay (+ lecturer feedback) |
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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. The lecturers will provide feedback and guidance to the students while they are writing the essay. |
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Teaching Schedule |
| Lectures | Seminars | Tutorials | Lab Practicals | Fieldwork Placement | Other | TOTAL | |
| Study Hours |
18 50 minutes lectures |
2 Assessment- End of module examinaion (1.5 hours in length) |
20 | ||||
| Timetable (if known) |
50 minutes lectures
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| Private Study | 55 | ||||||
| TOTAL HOURS | 75 | ||||||
Assessment |
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| EXAM | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
| TBC | 1.5 hours | second | 80 | Yes | ||
| CONTINUOUS | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
| TBC | Minimum 3000 words | second | 20 | No reassessment opportunity | Standard UoL penalty applies | Assignment comprising of a 3000 word essay to utilise scientific and open access information sources to critically evaluate a particular chemical route/problem within the area of "Biorenewable Chemicals from Biomass". Exam will comprise of 6 questions of equal value of which two will be compulsary and two will be chosen between the remaining four. Standard UoL reassessment arrangements will apply. |
Recommended Texts |
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"Introduction to chemicals from Biomass" James Clark and Fabien Deswarte, Wiley, 2008. ISBN: 978-0-470-05805-3 "Bio-based Chemicals: Value Added Products from Biorefinaries", IEA Bioenergy Report, 2010 available for download here: http://www.iea-bioenergy.task42-biorefineries.com/en/ieabiorefinery/Publications-2.htm |
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"Biorefinaries - Industrial Processes and Products" B.Kamm, P.R. Gruber and M. Kamm, Wiley-VCH, 2011, ISBN-13 978-3-527-32953-3. |
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