This module introduces the problems associated with greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, plastic contamination, feedstock availability. After introducing the challenges, this module presents the concept of green chemistry, role of chemistry in addressing the above-mentioned challenges; metrics associated green chemistry, and sustainable production of chemicals and fuels from renewable feedstock such as waste biomass including the differences between linear economy and circular economy. This module further introduces catalytic methodologies as a greener alternative to conventional chemical synthesis. 

Knowledge

a) describe the challenges such as climate change, environmental pollution, CO₂emission, waste generation;

b) identify specific issues associated with using conventional feedstock for producing chemicals and energy;

c) define the metrics such as E-factor and Atom Economy used in green chemistry;

d) appreciate the importance of catalytic processes against reactions using stoichiometric reagents;

e) identify sustainable alternative feedstock to produce chemicals and fuels;

f) appreciate the difference between linear economy and circular economy;

Understanding

a) calculate the E-factor and Atom Economy for simple chemical reactions;

b) between two reactions identify which one is greener using the above metrics

c) identify sustainable and renewable feedstock;

e) identify environmentally benign waste products and hazardous waste in a given chemical reaction; 

16 x 1h lectures , 2 x 3h workshops.

The student should be able to:

a) carry out simple calculations, including molecular weight, E-factor calculation and atom economy calculation;

b) classify a reaction’s greenness using the above metrics;

c) differentiate a catalytic process from a non-catalytic process involving stoichiometric reagents

A written exam will test the student’s knowledge and understanding as elaborated under the learning outcomes. The coursework (workshops and assignments) will allow the student to demonstrate his/her ability to judge and critically review relevant information and present. 

Lectures

Introduction to Green Chemistry and concepts of Sustainability. Source of environmental contamination including greenhouse gases and solid and liquid pollutants. Carbon capture and utilisation.

Society’s demands on chemicals and energy. Current and alternative sources of energy. Energy storage, batteries and hydrogen economy. 

Biomass and circular economy. Concept of zero waste. 

Introduction to life cycle analysis and sustainability. Measure of sustainability including the concepts on E-factor and atom economy. 

Introduction to homogeneous, heterogeneous and enzymatic catalysis and how catalytic processes are environmentally benign compared to reactions involving stoichiometric reagents.  ,.

Assignment & Workshop

In this, students will be given an opportunity to choose a real world problem, relevant to green and sustainable future, analyse the problems and come with a possible solution for this problem. The solution will be presented to their peers along with the staff members. This gives the students an opportunity in problem solving, teamwork and communication skills.  

Green Chemsitry: Theory and Practice, Paul T. Anastas, John C. Warner, Oxford University Press, ISBN-13 978-0-19-850698-0, first published in 1998, and new as paperback in 2000.

Green Chemistry: An Introductory Text,Mike Lancaster, Royal Society of Chemistry; 3rd New edition (2016).

Green Chemistry and Catalysis, Roger Arthur Sheldon, Isabel W. C. E. Arends, Ulf Hanefeld, Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 2007.