Green & Sustainable Chemistry - CHE00030I
Module summary
This module considers a range of factors that should be considered when designing more sustainable chemical products and processes for the future.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2025-26 |
Module aims
This module considers the production methods of many chemicals, which are changing rapidly, driven partly by the need to reduce costs but more especially the search for ‘cleaner’ processes. Many factors have to be considered in selecting an ideal ‘clean’ process: the cost of raw materials, energy inputs, process safety, the amount and cost of disposal of waste and the environmental impact of the operation being just some of these. This module will explore changes occurring in the industry and seeks to predict where the industry is heading.
Module learning outcomes
Students will be able to
- discuss different methods of measuring “greenness” and assess their relative merits.
- apply the principles of life cycle assessment to quantify the environmental impact of an industrial chemical process.
- appraise various chemical feedstocks, in particular contrasting traditional processes with their new cleaner analogues.
- describe and classify the nature and use of sustainable feedstocks, reagents and solvents.
- describe, compare and contrast sustainable energy sources, including biofuels and hydrogen, and the application of microwaves.
- demonstrate an awareness of financial and social factors connected with reducing environmental impact.
- identify key aspects of Green and Sustainable Chemistry across various case studies, in particular in the area of sustainable polymers.
Module content
Principles and metrics of Green Chemistry (4 lectures, ASM, 2 lectures TIJD)
Principles of green chemistry
Key metrics (beyond AE and PMI, including % bio incorporation, and how this can be determined)
Life Cycle Assessment
Sustainable solvents (6 lectures, HFS)
Introduction
Solvent guides and their application
Green solvents in industrial processes (inc. supercritical CO2)
Solvent free reactions including ball milling
Green polar aprotics, ionic liquids and deep eutectics
Gas expanded liquids
Sustainable feedstocks (5 lectures, DJM)
biomass, waste, CO2-derived chemicals.
contrast of petrochemicals biorefinery and CO2 refinery approaches
Sustainable polymers (5 lectures, GAH)
sustainable sourcing end of life considerations, moving to a circular economy
There will be a 2 h workshop run by DJM and GAH covering material from both sustainable feedstocks and polymers. (as mentioned in additional assessment information)
Heterogeneous transformations (6 lectures, DJM)
the critical role heterogeneous catalysts play in green chemistry in terms of separation, flow reactors etc.
Sustainable processing (4 lectures, TIJD + 2 h workshop)
Energy input, Ultrasound and Microwaves Batch vs. flow
Photo and Electrochemistry
Route selection
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 80 |
| Essay/coursework | 20 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Closed examination: students answer two compulsory 25-mark questions.
Sustainable Feedstocks and Polymers are assessed by an infographic preparation.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 80 |
| Essay/coursework | 20 |
Module feedback
Students will receive ongoing verbal or written feedback on their performance in the formative workshops and within 5 weeks on the summative infographic activity. The closed examinations are marked typically within 5 weeks with mark slips (with per-question break-down) being returned to students and supervisors. Outline answers are made available via the Chemistry VLE sites when the students receive their marks, so that they can assess their own detailed progress/achievement. Examiners reports are made available for each question to the students via the Chemistry VLE.
Indicative reading
To be provided by individual tutors