OVERVIEW

The course "Sustainable Design & Recycling of Inorganic Materials" addresses the topic of sustainability in inorganic materials, with particular attention to the availability of raw materials, their geographical distribution, and the strategies for recycling and sustainable design. A specific focus will be placed on magnetic materials used in the renewable energy and electric mobility sectors, which will be examined as case studies, for the recycling of rare-earth elements.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Starting from the discussion of sustainability issues related to raw materials availability and geo-localization, this class will give basic physico - chemical knowledge necessary to approach to the recycling and sustainable design of inorganic materials. A special focus will be given on sustainable design and recycling of materials used in renewable energies and e-mobility sectors.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Starting from the concept of sustainability, understood as the responsible use of natural resources in relation to the availability and geographical distribution of raw materials, this course aims to provide students with the chemical-physical foundations necessary to understand and address the challenges related to recycling and the sustainable design of inorganic materials. The access to critical raw materials—often concentrated in geopolitically sensitive areas—makes it urgent to develop strategies aimed at reducing dependence on specific sources. Initially, the course will examine strategies that promote the circular economy, through the reuse and recycling of materials. Subsequently, it will delve into the topic of sustainable materials design, with particular attention to the development of materials that are more durable, efficient, and easily recyclable. A specific focus will be placed on materials used in strategic sectors, such as renewable energy and electric mobility, where the demand for rare or hard-to-source materials is rapidly increasing. In particular, magnetic materials used in these fields will be adopted as case studies to define strategies for their use, recycling, and sustainable design.

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

Understand the relationship between sustainability, natural resource availability, and the geographical distribution of raw materials.

Acquire basic knowledge of the chemical-physical properties of inorganic magnetic materials relevant to the ecological transition.

Apply principles of recycling, recovery, and sustainable design through the analysis of case studies involving magnetic materials used in renewable energy and electric mobility sectors.

Communicate effectively, both in written and oral form, the acquired knowledge and conducted analyses, using appropriate technical-scientific language.

Engage in multidisciplinary contexts, contributing thoughtfully to discussions related to the sustainability of materials.

PREREQUISITES

Background in elementary physics and mathematics, and Physical Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry are mandatory

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures (32 hours) will focus on the course content and will include exercises aimed at consolidating theoretical knowledge and developing methods for solving real-world problems. Guest speakers will be invited during the lectures to present real-life case studies and practical applications. Students, working in small groups, will participate in 13 hours of laboratory activities designed to reinforce theoretical knowledge through the acquisition of fundamental skills related to the synthesis and recycling of magnetic materials, with a focus on applications in the energy sector.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

INTRODUCTION TO MATERIALS SUSTAINABILITY (Introduction to sustainability; Availability and geographical distribution of inorganic raw materials; Critical raw materials (CRM) and geopolitical risks; European and international regulations; CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT (OVERVIEW) (Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of materials; Reuse, recycling, and recovery strategies); SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS DESIGN (Eco-design: principles and tools; Advanced inorganic materials and sustainable selection; Durability and efficiency); PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY OF MAGNETIC MATERIALS (Fundamentals of magnetism of inorganic materials; Classification and role in technological systems; Synthesis techniques; Structure, stability, and functional properties; Structure–recyclability relationship; Sustainable design of magnetic materials; MAGNETIC MATERIALS FOR ENERGY APPLICATIONS (Magnetic materials in energy systems; Emerging technologies and environmental challenges; Permanent magnets: structure, composition, and technological applications); LABORATORY ACTIVITIES (The laboratory consists of three practical sessions (10 hours) and a final data analysis session (3 hours), focused on the preparation and characterization of magnetic materials through both synthesis and recycling approaches.)

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

P.Atkins - J de Paola Chimica Fisica - 2012 (5th edition) Zanichelli Bologna

J. M. Coey-Magnetism and Magnetic Materials - 2009 Cambridge University Press

Laidler-Meiser -  Chimica Fisica - 1999 Editoriale Grasso Bologna

E.L.Cussler Diffusion 1997 Cambridge University Press -USA

A.R. West - Solid State Chemistry and its Applications - 2014 (2nd edition) Wiley

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The schedule of classes is published on line at the following link

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral examination lasting 45 to 60 minutes in the presence of two professors of the scientific discipline area.

- Preparation of the laboratory notebook containing a detailed account of all experimental and computational activities carried out in the laboratory. The laboratory notebook, personally prepared by each student, must be submitted for evaluation at least 10 days before the oral examination.

- Preparation of the laboratory report prepared in a way that will be discussed in detail during classes. Generally speaking, the laboratory report should contain: a. detailed description of the theoretical background and experimental aspects of the laboratory experiences; b. elaboration, rationalization and critical evaluation of the experimental results. The laboratory report, prepared by small groups of students, should submitted for evaluation at least 10 days before the oral examination.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assessment of the achievement of learning outcomes will be based on a combined evaluation of the oral examination, the laboratory notebook, and the laboratory report. Specifically:

The oral examination will assess not only the student’s knowledge of the topics covered in the course, but also their reasoning skills and ability to approach real-world problems. During the exam, particular attention will be paid to the structure of the presentation, clarity of language, and appropriate use of technical and scientific terminology.

The laboratory notebook will be evaluated to verify the student’s critical observation and reasoning skills in planning and conducting experimental activities. The student’s ability to describe laboratory work clearly, coherently, and in detail will also be assessed.

The laboratory report will be used to evaluate the student’s ability to rationalize the experimental work carried out, through critical analysis and interpretation of the results obtained. In addition, the report will allow assessment of the student’s ability to structure a medium-length scientific text in a logical and consistent manner. Finally, the student’s ability to work effectively in a team will also be evaluated.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD) are reminded that, in order to request exam accommodations, they must first upload their certification on the University website at the page servizionline.unige.it in the "Students" section. The documentation will be verified by the University’s Office for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and SLD, as specified on the federated website at the following link:
SCIENZE CHIMICHE 9018 | Studenti con disabilità e/o DSA | UniGe | Università di Genova | Corsi di Studio UniGe

Afterward, and well in advance (at least 10 days) before the exam date, students must send an email to the professor responsible for the exam, copying both the School Inclusion Officer for students with disabilities and SLD (sergio.didomizio@unige.it) and the above-mentioned Office.

The email must include:

• The name of the course
• The date of the exam
• The student’s last name, first name, and student ID number
• The compensatory tools and dispensatory measures that are considered useful and being requested

The School Inclusion Officer will confirm to the professor that the student is entitled to request exam accommodations, and that these must be agreed upon with the professor. The professor will then respond by confirming whether the requested accommodations can be granted.

Requests must be submitted at least 10 days before the exam date to allow the professor adequate time to evaluate them. In particular, if you intend to use concept maps during the exam (which must be significantly more concise than those used for studying), failure to respect the deadline may result in insufficient time to make any necessary adjustments.

For further information on requesting services and accommodations, please refer to the document:
Guidelines for requesting services, compensatory tools and/or dispensatory measures, and specific aids