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 Professor JA Lopez-Sanchez
Chemistry
J.Lopez-Sanchez@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2023-24 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

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

 

Aims

• To provide the students with basic knowledge of the chemistry of biomass and its applications.
• To develop the skills required to evaluate routes to biorenewable chemicals, taking into consideration current economic, technological and sustainability issues.
• 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.
• To provide the students with updated knowledge and skills in an emerging industrial activity that will widen and enhance career options.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) The students should be able to demonstrate understanding of:
* Basic terminology and chemical nomenclature associated with the area of biorenewable chemicals
* Biomass composition and its sources
* The main synthetic routes to derive chemicals from biomass
* Main biorefinery models
* Sustainability issues associated with the use of biomass
* Main technologies, companies, industries, challenges and trends in the emerging bioeconomy

(LO2) The students should be able to
* Identify routes and opportunities to desired chemicals from biomass
* Critically evaluate routes to bioderived chemicals, taking into account pathways for commercialisation
* Identify the potential applications of bioderived chemicals

(LO3) The students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main systhetic routes to derive chemicals from biomass

(LO4) The students should be able to demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the main biorefinity models

(LO5) The students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the sustainability issues associated with the use of biomass

(LO6) The students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the main technologies, companies, industries, challenges and trends in the emerging bioeconomy

(LO7) The students should be able to identify and critically evaluate routes and opportunities to desired chemicals from biomass, taking into account pathways for commercialisation

(LO8) Students should be able to identify the potential applications of bioderived chemicals

(S1) skills in the evaluation, interpretation and synthesis of chemical information and data

(S2) the ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts,concepts, principles and theories relating to renewable chemicals and biomass transformations

(S3) skills in communicating scientific material and arguments

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Media analysis

(S5) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S6) Critical thinking and problem solving - Creative thinking

(S7) Information skills - Information accessing:[Locating relevant information] [Identifying and evaluating information sources]

(S8) Skills in using technology - Information accessing

(S9) Commercial awareness - Relevant understanding of organisations


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lectures. 16 x 1 hr in-person lectures.

Workshops. 2 x 1 hr online workshops, scheduled to enable reduced groups to get direct guidance and obtain clarification on their own individual CA that deals with critically analysis routes to chemicals from biomass.

Coursework. A 2500 word essay using scientific and open access information sources to critically evaluate a particular chemical route/problem within the area of "Biorenewable Chemicals from Biomass" to be submitted mid semester. A unique essay title will be provided for each student individually near the beginning of the semester and the topics will provide an opportunity for the student to expand the content of the lectures on specific routes to bioderived chemicals (i.e. biodiesel, bioderived polyolefins, bioderived hydrogen, etc.). Guidance on how to write the essay will be given, based on expanding scientific and commercial reports in the Bioeconomy area, available in Reading List in Canvas (i.e. Bio-ba sed chemicals: value added products from biorefinery).
Individual feedback and guidance on this essay will be offered to each student via online appointment and written form.

*Lectures: 16 hr
*Workshops: 2 hr


Syllabus

 

1. The Biorefinery Concept and the Bio-based Economy

2. Bioefinery Introduction and Classification

3. Main Platforms in Biomass Conversion I
- a. Syngas Platform
- b. Biogas Platform
- c. C6 and C6/C5 Sugar Platform
- d. Plant-based Oil Platform

4. Main Platforms in Biomass Conversion II
- e. Algae Oil Platform
- f. Organic solutions Platform
- g. Lignin Platform
- h. Pyrolysis Oil Platform

5. Evaluating Biobased Product Opportunities: Resources, Examples and How to write your Essay

6. Commercial & Near Market Products: C1 and C2 containing compounds.

7. Commercial & 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 com pounds.

12. Commercial & Near Market Products: Biorenewable Aromatic compounds.

13. Commercial & Near Market Products from Lignin

14. Biobased Chemicals:
- a. Opportunities and Growth Prediction
- b. Benefits of Integration of Fuels and Chemicals Production
- c. Product Commercialisation


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
Written exam Resit: Yes  90    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Essay Resit: No    20