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.

Attendance and active participation in lectures and laboratory activities, together with individual study, will enable students to acquire the physico-chemical knowledge necessary to understand issues related to the sustainability of inorganic materials, the availability of critical raw materials, and circular economy strategies. Through the analysis of case studies concerning magnetic materials used in the renewable energy and electric mobility sectors, students will develop the skills needed to critically evaluate recycling, recovery, and sustainable design approaches, integrating scientific, technological, and environmental aspects.

At the end of the teaching unit, the student will be able to:

• describe the relationship between sustainability, raw material availability, geographical distribution of resources, and supply chain criticalities;

• explain the physico-chemical principles underlying the properties and applications of key magnetic materials used in technologies for the energy transition;

• analyse the main circular economy strategies, recovery, and recycling of inorganic materials, assessing their advantages, limitations, and sustainability;

• apply eco-design principles to the design of more durable, efficient, and easily recyclable inorganic materials;

• critically evaluate case studies on magnetic materials used in renewable energy and electric mobility, relating material properties, technological performance, and environmental sustainability;

• interpret the results of experimental laboratory activities and relate them to the theoretical principles covered in the teaching unit;

• communicate clearly and effectively, both in written and oral form, the acquired knowledge and their own evaluations using appropriate scientific and technical language;

• work effectively as part of a team in the execution and discussion of experimental and project-based activities.

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 mandatory laboratory activities, designed to reinforce theoretical knowledge through the acquisition of fundamental skills related to the synthesis and recycling of magnetic materials, at the end of wich the students will prepare a laboratory report     

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 (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

Exam Board

DAVIDE PEDDIS (President)

Pierfrancesco MALTONI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

According to the timetable reported here 

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

The achievement of the intended learning outcomes will be assessed through an integrated evaluation based on the oral examination, the laboratory notebook, and the laboratory report. These assessment components are designed to complement each other in evaluating the acquisition of theoretical knowledge, the ability to apply such knowledge in an experimental context, independent critical thinking, communication skills, and the ability to work effectively within a team.

• The oral examination will assess the student's knowledge of the topics covered in the course and their ability to apply the acquired knowledge to the analysis of real-world scientific problems by establishing connections among the different subjects addressed during the course. The assessment will also consider critical thinking skills, the organization and clarity of the presentation, the appropriate use of scientific terminology, and the accuracy of technical language.
• The laboratory notebook will assess the student's ability to accurately document experimental activities, critically observe experimental phenomena, and clearly, comprehensively, and precisely describe the procedures followed and the results obtained. The evaluation will also consider the student's ability to plan experimental activities and to correctly collect, organize, and record experimental data.
• The laboratory report will assess the student's ability to critically analyze and interpret the experimental results in light of the theoretical concepts acquired during the course and to discuss their scientific significance. The evaluation will also take into account the student's ability to organize a scientific report in a logical and coherent manner, the effectiveness of written scientific communication, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a team through the joint preparation of the laboratory report.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with Disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders (DSA): Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (DSA) may request examination accommodations. To do so, they must upload the relevant certification through the University's online services portal at servizionline.unige.it, in the "Students" section. The documentation will be reviewed by the University’s Student Inclusion Services for students with disabilities and SLD (https://rubrica.unige.it/strutture/struttura/100111).

After the documentation has been verified, students must complete the appropriate online request form (https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back) well in advance of the examination date (at least 7 days before the exam).

For further information on requesting services and examination accommodations, please visit: https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi.