Frontiers in Sustainable Chemistry

Overview

NAME and CONTRIBUTION
Dr Andrew P. Doherty (a.p.doherty@qub.ac.uk)
Energy (10 lectures / seminars)
Dr Andrew C. Marr (a.marr@qub.ac.uk) Module Co-Ordinator; Applied Organometallic Chemistry (10 lectures / seminars)
Dr Patricia C. Marr (p.marr@qub.ac.uk)
Materials (10 lectures / seminars)).
Dr Mark J. Muldoon (m.j.muldoon@qub.ac.uk)
Solvents and Solvent Effects (10 lectures / seminars)).

Applied Organometallic Chemistry (9 lectures/seminars):
This course highlights the use of transition metal organometallics as catalysts in selective
industrial processes and bioorganometallics at the heart of enzymes that promote energy
releasing reactions. Topics will include:
 phosphine complexes and homogeneous catalysis;
 carbene complexes and metathesis;
 hydride and dihydrogen complexes;
 bioorganometallic chemistry and fuel cell research.

Solvents And Solvent Effects (9 lectures/seminars):
Most chemical reactions are carried out in solution therefore solvents are vitally important to the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The choice of solvent for a particular reaction is of the utmost importance because it can dramatically influence the reactivity. Currently industry relies on a range of volatile organic solvents and often these are flammable and/or toxic. In the pharmaceutical industry, solvents are the biggest source of chemical waste in the manufacture of drugs, consequently solvents are a key target area if we are to improve the sustainability of such industries. In this course we will examine:
 classification of solvents and their properties;
 solvents and solvent effects in organic chemistry and catalysis.
 the sustainability of volatile organic solvents;
 the potential of alternative solvents (e.g. supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, water and
renewables) to improve the sustainability of chemical processes.

Materials (9 lectures/seminars):
This course concentrates on how materials, and in particular polymers, can be produced, and used in technologically important areas. The course reflects on the current challenges of preparing materials for a more sustainable future. The course will cover:
 polymer synthesis (review);
 inorganic Polymers;
 hybrid materials;
 technological polymers (LEDs, electrolytes, batteries, solar applications);
 polymerisations in neoteric solvents (ionic liquids, supercritical fluids);
 gels and colloids.

Energy (9 lectures/seminars):
This course concerns the technologies and issues surrounding the energy industry. Content will include:
 the energy landscape through the ages;
 energy consumption as a driver for economic development (GDP) and social advancement;
 the carbon-neutral or free future, the many “whys” and “why nots”, and where we’re at;
 energy harvesting technologies;
 energy storage technologies;
 energy delivery technologies;
 energy unites and calculations;
 energy efficiencies, thermodynamic and practical limitations and energy losses.

Learning Objectives

Learning outcomes are course dependent in this module but all include:
A working knowledge of leading-edge chemical technologies;
The ability to apply recent technology to chemical problems;
An understanding of how to apply frontier chemical technologies to increase sustainability

Skills

The courses are designed to give choice in the style of questions attempted by the students. Skills Associated with the Module:
 subject specific skills;
 problem solving;
 critical analysis and technical evaluation;
 data analysis;
 chemical calculations;
 literature reading;
 creative thinking and design.

Assessment

Assessment:
Examination 100%
Examination must be passed at 40%