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 Professor JA Lopez-Sanchez
Chemistry
J.Lopez-Sanchez@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Pre-requisites before taking this module (or general academic requirements):
 

Aims

• 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 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

(LO1) Students should be able to demonstrate understanding of the basic terminology of sustainable development and 'green' chemistry

(LO2) Students should be able to demonstrate understanding of the non-rigorous nature of this terminology and its consequences

(LO3) Students should be able to demonstrate understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of 'green' chemistry

(LO4) Students should be able to demonstrate understanding of the importance of catalysis in developing sustainable chemical technologies and the challenges associated with their implementation

(LO5) Students should be able to demonstrate understanding of the basics of new technologies in the generation of renewable energy and chemicals.

(S1) Organisational skills

Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module consists of 14 lectures.
The lectures are supported by two 1h online workshops in reduced groups in weeks 5 and 8.
The first workshop will be dedicated to resolve numerical problems on Green Metrics, whereas the second workshop will be used to provide feedback and answer any questions remaining from the CA as well as to provide examples of exam questions.
One problem-solving assignment contributes 20% to the final mark.

*Lectures: 16 hr
*Workshops: 2 hr

Syllabus
 

1. Sustainability and Sustainable Development: Concepts, Perspectives, Priorities and Implications.
2. Carrying Capacity, the ‘Master’ Equation and the Principles of Green Chemistry.
3. Reaction Metrics in Chemistry and Chemical Technology.
4. Process Metrics in Chemistry and Chemical Technology.
5. Process Metrics and Life Cycle Analysis.
6. BASF Eco-Efficiency Analysis and the Principles of Green Engineering.
7. Chemistry of the Environment; Climate Change and Global warming I.
8. Chemistry of the Environment; Climate Change and Global warming II.
9. Catalysis in Green Chemistry: Definitions and Performance Metrics
10. Catalysis in Green Chemistry: Examples of the Use of Catalysis for Waste Minimisation.
11. Biomass as a Sustainable Source for Chemicals and Fuels.
12. Energy Production Technologies and GHF Emissions.
13. Renewable Energy and Electrochemical Conversion of Energy.
14. Emerging Greener Technologies: Supercritical Fluids, GXL, Photochemical and Microwave and Reactors.

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 16

         2

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

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
unseen, closed book, written examination (in-person) Marked Anonymously  90    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
extended problem solving assignment  0    20