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
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2015-16 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Pre-requisites before taking this module (or general academic requirements):
none 

Aims
  • 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.


  • 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.

  • To provide the students with basic knowledge of the chemistry of biomass and its applications.

    		•

    Learning Outcomes
    The students should be able to demonstrate understanding of:
    1. Basic terminology anc chemical nomenclature associated with the area of biorenewable chemicals
    2. Biomass composition and its sources
    3. The main systhetic routes to derive chemicals from biomass
    4. Main biorefinaty models
    5. Sustainability issues associated with the use of biomass
    6. Main technologies, companies, industries, challenges and trends in the emerging bioeconomy
    The students should be able to  
    1. Identify routes and opportunities to desired chemicals from biomass
    2. Critically evaluate routes to bioderived chemicals taking into account pathways for commercialisation
    3. Identify the potential applications of biodervied chemicals

    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Lecture -

    50 minutes lectures

    Assessment -

    End of module examinaion (1.5 hours in length)

    Syllabus
    1 


    1.     The Biorefinary Concept and the Bio-based economy 

    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 < /span>

    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

    4.    Biomass transformations:biocatalytic transformations of biomass

    a.     General considerations

    b.      Enzymes for biomass transformations

    5.     Industrial Chemicals from biorefinary platforms:

     

    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

    6.     Commercial & near market products: C1 containing compounds.

    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 

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

    Teaching Schedule
      Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
    Study Hours 18

    		         2

    		 20
    Timetable (if known) 50 minutes lectures
          		        End of module examinaion (1.5 hours in length)
          		 
    Private Study 55
    TOTAL HOURS 75

    Assessment
    EXAM Duration Timing
    (Semester)    		 % of
    final
    mark    		 Resit/resubmission
    opportunity    		 Penalty for late
    submission    		 Notes
    Written Exam  1.5 hours  second  80  Yes    Assessment 2 Notes (applying to all assessments) 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. 
    CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
    (Semester)    		 % of
    final
    mark    		 Resit/resubmission
    opportunity    		 Penalty for late
    submission    		 Notes
    Coursework  Minimum 3000 words  second  20  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 There is no reassessment opportunity,