Course syllabus

Teacher and examiner                  Per-Anders Carlsson

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

                                                                   Phone: +46 (0) 31 772 29 24

                                                                   Office: 2075

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.

The course contains a series of lectures corresponding to 5.0 hp based on the textbook Green Chemistry – An introductory text (3rd edition) by Mike Lancaster and lecture notes provided via Canvas during the course. The textbook can be bought at Cremona or other commercial actors, for example, Bokus and Adlibris. The Chalmers library provides limited access. The course also includes four case studies and a mini project together amounting 2.5 hp. The case studies and project report should be handed in using Canvas in due date (22 October 2019) for guaranteed feedback before the written exam (29 October 2019). 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 please contact Jerker Mårtensson for case studies 2 and 3 and Per-Anders Carlsson for case studies 1 and 4, and the mini project. 

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.

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