Course syllabus

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Course-PM

KBT245 Green chemistry (study period 1, HT24, 7.5 hp)

Course is offered by the department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Teacher and examiner

Per-Anders Carlsson

E-mail: per-anders.carlsson@chalmers.se

Phone: +46 (0) 31 772 29 24

Office: 2075, K building

Teachers

Jerker Mårtensson (jerker@chalmers.se)

Magnus Skoglundh (skoglund@chalmers.se)

Course purpose

The course explains the principles of green chemistry and end-of-pipe methods, with a basis in the molecular and materials chemistry, and discusses alternative chemistry solutions to support a sustainable development. The level of understanding should be such that the students in their professional career critically can participate in discussions regarding selection of chemical methods (i.e., reactions) for increased sustainability within industrial production of chemicals and fuels, and to avoid environmental stress caused by pollution and energy-related problems. Basic knowledge in catalysis and organic chemistry is beneficial but not necessary.

Schedule

Note: All occasions scheduled in TimeEdit are not used. Instead the sharp schedule is shown in the pdf-file named "Syllabus & schedule" in Canvas. 

Course literature

Green Chemistry – An introductory text (3rd edition) by Mike Lancaster.

The textbook can be bought at Bokus. Also Chalmers library provides access to an e-book version. Unfortunately STORE at Chalmers got a late notice that they will not be able to provide the book (unless some are left over from last year). 

Lecture notes will be provided via Canvas as pdf files during the course. 

Course design

The course contains a series of lectures corresponding to 5.0 hp based on the textbook and lecture notes.

The course also includes five case studies together amounting 2.5 hp. The case studies should be handed in using Canvas in due date for guaranteed feedback before the written exam. Unless sound reasons can be given, missed deadlines will lead to limited feedback and final reporting may be delayed. Time for consultancy of case studies is scheduled.

For additional questions on case studies 1, 4 and 5 contact Per-Anders Carlsson.

For additional questions on case studies 2 and 3 contact Jerker Mårtensson. 

Canvas will be the main tool for communication.

Changes made since the last occasion

Lectures have been revised. The first case study will be done in paris with peer-reviewing. A new case study (number 5) will be developed. 

Learning objectives and syllabus

Green chemistry solutions will be discussed within the fields of Chemical production: choice of feedstock, solvents, catalysts, synthesis routes including microwave and ultrasonic assisted synthesis; Chemical energy storage and conversion: chemical energy carriers, synthesis routes for alternative fuels including electrofuels and hydrogen; Carbon dioxide utilization: conversion routes to chemicals and fuels; Emission control: chemical, automotive and shipping industry, adsorption, ion-exchange and catalytic methods.

Learning objectives:

  • Account for the principles of green chemistry and end-of-pipe methods
  • Propose green solutions for industrial production of:
    • Petroleum and petrochemicals
    • Surfactants
    • Organic and inorganic chemicals
    • Hygiene products and pharmaceuticals
  • Propose green solutions for chemical energy storage and conversion with knowledge about:
    • Energy carriers and alternative fuels including electrofuels and hydrogen
    • Future fuel synthesis routes
  • Describe chemical conversion routes for carbon dioxide
  • Propose end-of-pipe solutions for pollution prevention in:
    • Industrial chemical and fuel production
    • Automotive industry
    • Shipping industry

Examination form

Written exam (grades TH) and approved case studies and mini project (grades UG). The written exam covers the lecture series (notes and excerpts), the textbook and the case studies.

Course summary:

Date Details Due