99167 - SOSTENIBILITÀ DEI PROCESSI CHIMICI

Academic Year 2023/2024

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student knows and can apply the principles and tools of sustainable chemistry, some fundamental regulatory aspects (REACH), the principles and examples of designing alternative materials, substances and processes, with reference also to the starting materials and energy demand.

Course contents

Organic Chemistry: recall of the basic contents. The chemical industry. The oil era (resources, exploitation, problems). Analysis of industrial processes and possible innovation.

Sustainable Chemistry, concepts, objectives and applications. The 12 principles.

Evaluation of the environmental impact of a chemical process through index: Green metrics, the concepts of "Atom economy" "Environmental factor" and other parameters to measure the sustainability of chemical reactions.

Sustainability of chemical processes through the use of alternative raw materials: basic concepts of the biorefinery.

Sustainability of chemical processes through modification of the reaction conditions: use of alternative solvents (water, supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, bio-based solvents), use of unconventional energy sources and new concept catalysts (heterogeneous catalysis and biocatalysis).

Examples of innovative products and processes of sustainable chemistry.

The REACH legislation and its implications: Evaluation, Authorization and Banning; Substances of Very High Concern; other regulatory frameworks

Readings/Bibliography

Slides and lecture notes. Articles from the scientific literature For further information:

  • Clark, James H., Macquarrie, Duncan J “Handbook of green chemistry & technology” Blackwell Science, 2002.
  • Sheldon, Roger Arthur “Green chemistry and catalysis”
  • Andrew P. Dicks, “Green Organic Chemistry in Lecture and Laboratory” CRC Press.
  • Pietro Tundo, Alvise Perosa, Fulvio Zecchini, “Methods and reagents for green chemistry : an introduction”.

Teaching methods

Lectures and classroom discussion.

Assessment methods

Thefinal exam aims to evaluate the achievement of the learning outcomes:

- Know and use the principles and tools of Sustainable Chemistry

- Know some fundamental regulatory aspects (REACH)

- Know the principles and examples of designing alternative materials, substances and processes, also with reference to the sources of raw materials and energy

The final grade of the integrated course is defined by means of an oral test, final grade will be the average of the marks obtained in three (usually) specific questions on topics relating to the main objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Slides used during lectures in class

Office hours

See the website of Paola Galletti

SDGs

Responsible consumption and production Climate Action

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.