88365 - Sustainable Chemical Technologies

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students are acquainted with the development of sustainable chemical processes and heterogeneous catalysis as a key tool for the reduction of the environmental impact of chemical processes. Students understand and are able to apply methods for process intensification and technologies for separation with membranes. They are also acquainted with innovative technologies for energy transfer to energy-intensive chemical processes, management of raw materials, critical raw materials and strategies for reducing their utilization.

Course contents

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of industrial chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry and physical chemistry concepts

Syllabus

Basic concept of process development. Use of catalysis as key enabling technology. Main type of catalysts. Heterogeneous catalyst characteristics preparation. Catalyst application in class of reaction microkinetic mechanism. Catalyst development.

Catalyst at work: H2 production and hydrogen utilzation for synfuel, methanol and ammonia production, catalyst for pollution abatement, application to the production of chemicals with low environmetnal impact (example of fossil and renewable).

New Separation technolgies, membrane technology. Integration of reaction and separation. Process intensification,.

Technology for energy efficiency and for energy transformation. Conversion of chemical bond to power (Fuel cell) and Renewable Energy to fuels (electrolysis).

Circual economy and Critical raw material minimization and substitution in materials for chemical Technologies.

Readings/Bibliography

1) G. Rothenberg, Catalysis: Concepts and Green Applications, Second edition, Whiley-VCH 2017;

2) R. A. Sheldon, I. Arends, and U. Hanefeld; Green Chemistry and Catalysis, Whiley-VCH, Weinheim, Germany 2007.

3) Catalysis for Renewables: From Feedstock to Energy Production, Eds G. Centi and R. A. van Santen, Whiley-VCH, 2007

4) Chemicals and Fuels from Bio-Based Building Blocks, Eds F. Cavani, S. Albonetti, F. Basile, A. Gandini, Whiley-VCH, 2016

Teaching methods

Room lectures supported in some cases by power point presentation. The presentations will be available on line for the students.

Case studyes: catalyst application and catalytic process development and impact assesment .

Laboratory experience in catalyst preparation and catalytic reaction .

working group for the discussion anad reporting of laboratory experience, case studies and related  literature.

Assessment methods

ASSESSMENT:

Learning assessment is based on oral examination at the end of the course. In order to attend the final examination, students have to register online within the given deadlines (registration usually closes one day prior the exam date). The oral examination will last about 20 to 30 minutes and it will assess:

· the comprehension of the main aspects affecting catalyst and separation technology use and selection in the chemical processes

· the ability to correlate the choice of catalyst, separation technology, and other process parameter with key parameter and green indicator

· the ability to increase energy and process efficiency, to improve energy sotrage and to obtain process intensification.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Basile