The course aims to provide engineering students with an overview of chemical processes for the production of intermediates and chemicals using sustainable technologies and renewable raw materials or by-products from other processes. Particular attention will be devoted to processes mediated by heterogeneous chemical catalysts for the valorization of lignocellulosic biomass: the role of green chemistry; platform molecules for the production of biofuels, bioenergy, biochemicals, and bioplastics. Examples of industrial initiatives dedicated to biomass valorization will also be presented. By the end of the course, students will have developed the ability to establish selection criteria for applying the principles of green chemistry in catalytic chemical processes for the conversion of lignocellulosic plant biomass. They will also have acquired skills related to assessing the environmental impact of processes and designing clean synthetic routes with minimal use of reagents, intermediates, or catalysts that are toxic or otherwise hazardous.
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Lectures (16 hours – 2 ECTS) + laboratory activities (32 hours – 4 ECTS)
The examination consists of an oral exam and a written report on the laboratory activities carried out.
The oral exam assesses the knowledge acquired on the topics covered during the course. Its purpose is to highlight the student’s critical and methodological skills, as well as their personal elaboration of the topics discussed. Autonomy, clarity of expression, and the ability to justify and argue the choices made will be particularly valued. The outcome of this part accounts for 50% of the final grade.
The laboratory report, which must normally be submitted by each student (or working group) at least one week prior to the oral exam, is evaluated based on the accuracy in describing the experimental methodology applied and the correctness of the elaboration and discussion of the final results. The outcome of the laboratory report also accounts for 50% of the final grade.
The final grade will be assigned according to the following assessment criteria:
Slides and teaching materials provided by the professor
Management of chemical processes promoted by catalysts and the effect of the main operating parameters on process performance indicators (temperature, pressure, time). Physicochemical characteristics of lignocellulosic biomass and its catalytic conversion into high value-added products. The laboratory activities will focus on the conversion of a lignocellulosic agri-food waste into high value-added chemicals.
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