Biorefineries - From biomass to value-added compounds

Code: QUI14821O

3 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/78 hours

Scientific Area: Chemistry

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Sustainable Development Goals

4. Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

6. Água potável e saneamento - Garantir disponibilidade e manejo sustentável da água e saneamento para todos.

7. Energias renováveis e acessíveis - Garantir acesso à energia barata, confiável, sustentável e renovável para todos.

13. Ação climática - Tomar medidas urgentes para combater a mudança climática e seus impactos (*).

14. Proteger a vida marinha - Conservação e uso sustentável dos oceanos, dos mares, e dos recursos marinhos para o desenvolvimento sustentável.

15. Proteger a vida terrestre - Proteger, recuperar e promover o uso sustentável dos ecossistemas terrestres, gerir de forma sustentável as florestas, combater a desertificação, deter e reverter a degradação da Terra e deter a perda da biodiversidade.

Learning Goals

The main objective of this course is to understand the different processes of transformation of biomass into materials, chemical compounds and biofuels. The main objectives of the first part of the course (I. Introduction to Biorefineries) are to understand the concept and identify the different types of biorefineries. The objectives of the second theme (II. From biomass to materials) are to understand the physical and chemical properties of materials obtained by different processes, and their applications. The objectives of the third theme (III. From biomass to chemical products) are to understand, recognize and describe the main constituents of plant biomass, the main conversion stages, as well as the main products obtained in a biorefinery. The objectives of the fourth theme (IV. From biomass to fuels and energy) are to understand, know and describe a set of processes that allow the valorization of biomass through its conversion into energy and fuels.

The syllabus instituted for the different themes of this course are listed below:
I. Introduction to biorefineries (the concept of a biorefinery and types of biorefineries)
II. From biomass to materials (biochar and activated carbon production)
III. From biomass to chemicals (conversion of sugars; triglycerides and terpenes)
IV. From biomass to fuels and energy (production of biodiesel; bio-ethanol; thermochemical conversion of biomass; production of biogas and bio-hydrogen)

Teaching Methods

The teaching methodology is based on explaining the different topics of the course using slides provided to students, review articles and all scientific material (such as short films about the subjects presented and discussed in class) and carrying out activities of demonstration within the course.

Assessment

The evaluation is based on the accomplishment of an individual work related to the themes developed in the course. The work must be delivered and presented by the students after the conclusion of the teaching component of the course. The final classification will be quantitative (scale of 0-20 values).

Teaching Staff

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