C8593 - FONTI RINNOVABILI E SOSTENIBILITA'

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will understand the advantages and challenges of using biomass for the production of i) energy carriers and products; ii) platform chemicals for the chemical industry; and iii) biopolymers for the materials industry. Students will acquire knowledge of the different generations of biomass, including first-generation or dedicated biomass, second-generation or waste biomass that does not compete with food resources, and third-generation or micro- and macroalgae. They will be able to understand and compare the main characteristics of fossil and renewable fuels and assess the environmental issues related to their use. They will be familiar with the main platform chemicals and commercially available bioplastics, as well as the synthetic strategies used to obtain them.

Course contents

The course will address the integrated production of biofuels, biomaterials, and chemical compounds (biorefineries) from biomass.


1) Characteristics and chemical composition of first-, second-, and third-generation biomass


2) Pretreatments for the valorization of second-generation biomass


3) Solvents and principles of sustainable chemistry for biomass valorization


4) Synthesis and characteristics of the main platform compounds from renewable sources: ethanol, lactic 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) Bioethanol synthesis


8) Biodiesel synthesis


9) Biogas synthesis


10) Laboratory experiences aimed at learning techniques for the production of biofuels (biodiesel)


11) Laboratory experiences aimed at learning techniques for assessing the environmental impact of bioplastics


12) Guided tours aimed at learning techniques for the production of biopolymers and algal biomass

Readings/Bibliography

Biomass Valorization - di Davide Ravelli e Chiara Samori
Wiley-VCH, 2021

Scientific papers

Teaching methods

Lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations


Reading of articles and reviews in class


Guided tour of companies operating in the biorefinery/bioenergy field


Laboratory activities: Given the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance at this training activity requires all students to complete Modules 1, 2, and 3 via e-learning.


The laboratory activity will focus on the synthesis of biodiesel from first- and second-generation triglycerides and the sustainability assessment of bioplastics.

Assessment methods

The final grade consists of a written exam and an evaluation of the laboratory reports.


The written exam consists of 6 open-ended questions on the topics covered in both modules. Familiarity with the graphical representation of organic molecules is also required.


Each answer is scored +5 if complete, detailed, and revised, with no inaccuracies or errors; +4 if complete, detailed, and without inaccuracies/errors; +3 if partially complete (>70%), with some inaccuracies; +2 if there are inaccuracies/errors and the answer is incomplete (50-70%); +1 if there are inaccuracies/errors and the answer is incomplete (<50%); 0 if incorrect or missing.


The maximum score achievable for all correct and complete answers is therefore 30 cum laude. The exam is considered passed with a minimum score of 18/30.

 

Students are allowed two hours for the written exam. The use of support materials such as textbooks, notes, computers, cell phones, and tablets is prohibited during the exam. Calculators are permitted.


The use of AI tools in any form during the exam is prohibited, including chatbots, text generators, advanced translators, content synthesizers, and tools integrated into devices. Any use of AI is considered a violation of the principles of honesty and fairness set forth in the Policy and may result in the instructor's cancellation of the exam. The instructor will remain responsible for ensuring the exam's validity.


The evaluation of laboratory reports, submitted at least one week before the exam date, is additional to the written exam grade (maximum + 3 points) and does not count toward a passing grade.

Students who require compensatory tools due to disabilities, pathologies, psychological disorders, or specific learning disabilities (SLD) may contact the Service for Students with Disabilities (disabilita@unibo.it) and the Service for Students with Learning Disabilities (dsa@unibo.it) directly to discuss the most appropriate arrangements.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint presentations


Scientific articles provided by the instructor


Laboratory and related equipment

Office hours

See the website of Chiara Samorì