Materials Synthesis and Sustainability

MATS23201 Materials Synthesis and Sustainability 10 Semester 1 Undergraduate Level 5 Christina Picken Unit coordinator Department of Materials 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Middle part of Bachelors ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 5.0 This unit introduces the fundamental concepts required to understand materials synthesis and the issue of sustainability in processing and recycling. This unit introduces the fundamental concepts required to understand materials synthesis and the issue of sustainability in materials processing and recycling. Key topics include:<ul> <li>Extraction vs. recycling, energy cycle and CO2 balance, with examples from the production and recycling of aluminium, including the Bayer process, ceramics and polymer materials.</li> <li>An overview of the sustainability of resources, such as the availability of industrial feedstock materials and the scarcity of particular elements.</li> <li>Introduction to polymers; including basic definitions, nomenclature, classification, stereochemistry, molecular weight, properties and sources.</li> <li>Introduction to chain and step polymerisations; including free-radical, poly-condensation and poly-addition reactions.</li> <li>Extraction of metals from ores and oxides, with calculations illustrating how thermodynamics governs industrial extraction processes.</li> <li>Introduction to structure, properties and production of ceramic materials</li> <li>Electrochemical potential and reduction/oxidation reactions, half-cells, the electrochemical series, batteries and fuel cells. </li></ul> The unit aims to: <ul> <li>Introduce thermodynamic concepts related to materials recycling, metal-ore reduction/oxidation/extraction, and ceramic materials production, with a focus on the energy cycle, sustainability and emissions footprint. </li> <li>Introduce fundamental concepts in polymer science and a selection of commercially-important polymerisation methods.   </li> <li>Introduce the concept of redox reactions, the electro-chemical series, half cells, in relationship to metal extraction, batteries and fuel cells.</li></ul> A greater depth of the learning outcomes are covered in the following sections: <ul> <li> Knowledge and understanding</li> <li> Intellectual skills</li> <li> Practical skills</li> <li> Transferable skills and personal qualities</li> </ul> <ul><li>Compare and contrast metal extraction methods from ores and oxides, with metal recycling and re-use.</li><li>Explain the theory of redox reactions, electro-chemical half-cells, and demonstrate their application in electro-metallurgy, batteries and fuel cells.</li><li>Describe and discuss fundamental concepts in polymer science and important uses, sources and recycling of polymers.</li><li>Discuss and explain the principles and theory underlying important polymerisation methods.</li><li>Possess the knowledge structure of ceramic materials properties and production processes.</li></ul> <ul><li>Draw the structures of common monomers, polymers and chemical reaction schemes for the preparation of polymers and perform calculations relating to the polymer synthesis reactions. </li><li>Differentiate the concepts related to recycling, extraction and energy balance.</li><li>Discuss the issues related to energy production and storage by fuel cells and batteries.</li><li>Evaluate the environmental impact of recycling. </li><li>Develop an awareness of the sustainability of resources.</li></ul> <ul> <li>Develop an awareness of the practical aspects related to perforimng polymerisations and techniques to monitor and analyse the extent of reaction.</li> <li>Develop an awareness of the practical aspects related to perforimng simple electrochemical experiments such as: measuring cell potential, measure the current generated by a battery, prepare a simple reference electrode.</li></ul> <ul> <li>Convert word problems into equations and numerical answers.</li> <li>Illustrate complex scientific phenomena graphically.</li> <li>Compose simple technical reports on laboratory tests. </li></ul> This unit is delivered using a blended learning approach, which integrates technology and digital media with traditional classroom activities. A variety of learning and teaching processes will be used including: lectures, discussions, group activities and independent study. Canvas will be used to present online study materials, including videos, lecture notes, guided reading, articles and other information. Canvas will also be used for the submission of assessments. 1 Written exam 70% 2 Written assignment (inc essay) 30% Summative AssessmentExam: Marks available on student portal.Coursework: Marked work returned to students within 15 working days of latest due date. N Additional resources and recommended reading for this unit can be found on the <a href="https://www.readinglists.manchester.ac.uk/leganto/public/44MAN_INST/lists/338986346340001631?auth=CAS">online unit reading list</a>. Lectures 22 0 78