74006 - Biorafineries and Sustainability

Learning outcomes

The student will have knowledge on i) the advantages and main issues of the use of biomass for the production of chemicals and polymers for the chemical industry; ii) the chemical complexity of renewable resources; iii) the technologies available for facing such chemical complexity; iv) the bio-products current available on the market and the next trends.

Course contents

1) characteristics and chemical composition of first, second and third generations of biomass

2) pre-treatments for valorizing second generation biomasses

3) solvents and principles of sustainable chemistry for biomass valorization 

4) synthesis and characteristics of the main platform chemicals from renewable sources: ethanol, lactic acid, succinic acid, furans

5) synthesis and characteristics of the main biopolymers and principles of biodegradability in the environment

6) microalgae and technologies for their valorization

7) labs aimed at learning techniques for the production of biofuels, biopolymers and platform chemicals

Readings/Bibliography

Biomass Valorization - Davide Ravelli and Chiara Samori
Wiley-VCH, 2021

Teaching methods

Lecture slide handouts will be available for students

Reading lists will be provided as appropriate to support lectures

Visits to companies working in the bioenergy/biorefinery field 

Lab experiences: specific training on safety and health is mandatory for attending the lab (i.e. Modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode and the participation in Modules 3). Information on the dates and methods of attendance of the specific training modules can be consulted in the appropriate section of the study course website.

Assessment methods

Oral exam

Office hours

See the website of Chiara Samorì