B2435 - MECHANOCHEMISTRY

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has acquired knowledge of (i) mechanochemical synthesis of organic and metallorganic materials, (ii) techniques for in-situ reaction monitoring, and (iii) sustainable processes alternative to traditional solution methods.

Course contents

The course offers a comprehensive introduction to mechanochemistry, an innovative and sustainable approach to chemical synthesis that replaces or reduces the use of solvents by applying mechanical energy to induce chemical transformations.

The first part of the course provides an introduction and historical overview, tracing the development of mechanochemical principles from early manual grinding techniques to automated ball milling systems. Students will explore a variety of preparative methods and examine their evolution and applicability across different chemical systems.

The course places a strong emphasis on the use of case studies to illustrate real-world applications of mechanochemistry in both academic and industrial contexts. These case studies are integrated throughout the course to highlight practical decision-making, synthetic strategies, and experimental outcomes.

Following the introduction, the course focuses on ex situ and in situ  characterization techniques used to analyze products obtained via mechanochemistry.

During the course, recent scientific articles on mechanochemistry will be critically read and discussed in class. The selected papers are chosen to cover a broad range of topics, including inorganic chemistry, the synthesis of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), organic reactions, and the thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of mechanochemical processes. Following each discussion, students will compile a list of questions and comments addressed to the authors of the papers. The authors will be invited to provide responses and insights during subsequent lectures.

A particular attention will be given to the scientific communication skills necessary to engage critically with the literature. A dedicated session early in the course will cover the structure of scientific articles (IMRaD model), strategies for critical reading, annotation, and evaluation, identifying hypotheses, assumptions, limitations, and conclusions, techniques for formulating research questions and leading discussions.

These skills will be applied in reading sessions, case study analyses, and final presentations.

 

 

Readings/Bibliography

Mechanochemistry - A Practical Introduction from Soft to Hard Materials - Evelina Colacino, Guido Ennas, Ivan Halasz, Andrea Porcheddu, Alessandra Scano (Eds.) © 2021 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

Mechanochemistry as an emerging tool for molecular synthesis: what can it offer? Joseph L. Howard, Qun Cao and Duncan L. Browne Cite this: Chem. Sci., 2018, 9, 3080 DOI: 10.1039/c7sc05371a

Introducing mechanochemistry by Nina Notman 23/12/22, Feature article - Chemistry World

Advancing mechanochemical synthesis by combining milling with different energy sources. Nature reviews chemistry https://doi.org/10.1038/s41570-022-00442-1

Mechanochemistry: opportunities for new and cleaner synthesis. [https://cris.unibo.it/handle/11585/112394] S. L. James; C. J. Adams; C. Bolm; D. Braga; P. Collier; T. Friscic; F. Grepioni; K. D. M. Harris; G. Hyett; W. Jones; A. Krebs; J. Mack; L. Maini; A. G. Orpen; I. P. Parkin; W. C. Shearouse; J. W. Steed; D. C. Waddell Chemical Society Reviews, 2012, 41, pp. 413 - 447

 

 and articles discussed during the course

Teaching methods

Students attending the course will participate directly in the discussion of specific topics, by reading selected papers and discussing them iduring the lecture. After  the discussion a list of questions will be send to  one of the author of the article. 

In the following lecture the  author is invited to the lecture ( on line or in person) and will answers the question and directly discuss with the students. This methodology should promote the engagement of the students, and their ability in public speaking. Lectures will be delivered by prof.s Braga, Grepioni and Maini. Videos on Mechanochemistry topics will also be viewed together during lectures, and discussed.

Assessment methods

The students will be evaluated during the course, on the basis of their participation in the joint discussions and in their reading and presenting of selected papers on mechanochemistry issues. Students not attending the course will be evaluated with an oral exam on the basis of the articles discussed during the course.

 

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Power point presentations and videos from the web.

Office hours

See the website of Lucia Maini