The Future of Chemistry

Course goals

At the end of the course the student will:

• Understand the role of chemistry in present-day society.
• Understand the energy-requirements of chemical processes.
• Understand the implications of choices with respect to new routes concerning materials, energy, environment and waste, as well as interconnectedness of processes.
• Assess whether chemical routes can be redesigned to use non-fossil raw materials.
• Understand the possibilities and challenges (like scalability) of solutions.
• Have experience with systems thinking in a project designing integrated circular chemical processes.

Content

Chemistry is the central science in the three societal transitions: the Energy transition, the Materials transition, and the Resource transition. The course Chemistry of the Future is designed to provide students with tools, skills and knowledge that will allow students to play a leading role in multi- and trans-disciplinary teams aiming to solve transition challenges.

This course will provide an understanding of the central role of chemistry in the present industrial landscape, and the interconnectedness of various chemical and petrochemical processes. Alternative raw materials, synthesis routes, and new materials will be introduced. Students will apply systems thinking tools to investigate and design new process routes for a number of possible solutions., taking into account scalability, energy consequences, alternative raw materials, and consequences for the system in which the process operates. These challenges will be presented in a project-based environment in which teams of students will collaborate to prepare a project proposal, a video or a pitch.

Specific topic that will be covered:

• What is the role of chemistry in the present industrial landscape and how did we get here?
• How can we close material loops?
• What alternatives exist for fossil raw materials?
• How do we translate paper solutions to real processes?
• How can systems thinking help solve our problems?
• What are the consequences for the energy landscape?