CHIMICA PER L'ENERGIA
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: SALVATORE SCIRE'Expected Learning Outcomes
Specifically, with reference to the Dublin Descriptors, the course intends to:
a) Descriptor 1 – Knowledge and understanding: Provide students with a solid foundation of the key concepts related to chemical phenomena for the energy production, through an integrated approach that combines theory with practical case studies.
b) Descriptor 2 – Applying knowledge and understanding: Develop the ability to apply chemical knowledge to the energy production processes, with particular focus on technologies and the selection of appropriate materials
c) Descriptor 3 – Making judgements: Equip students with the tools to critically evaluate the chemical characteristics of raw materials and energy sources involved in the production processes. These skills will be fostered through classroom exercises and the active engagement of students during lectures.
d) Descriptor 4 – Communication skills: Improve the students’ ability to clearly and effectively communicate scientific concepts using technical language appropriate to the scientific contexts and professional settings.
e) Descriptor 5 – Learning skills: Encourage the development of an effective and pragmatic study method, aimed at enabling students to work independently and in team. Teaching materials will be provided in PDF format, along with references to relevant textbooks and chapters for further studyInformation for students with disabilities and/or SLDTo guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory measures, based on the educational objectives and specific needs.
Course Structure
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
2. Energy Sources and the Energy Transition Solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal and marine energy. Nuclear energy: fission and future perspectives of nuclear fusion. Energy mix and decarbonization strategies. National and European policies for the energy transition.3. Hydrogen EconomyHydrogen properties and its role in the energy transition. Hydrogen production routes (steam reforming, water electrolysis, photochemical and thermochemical processes). Hydrogen color classification. Hydrogen storage and transportation technologies. Fuel cells and their applications.4. CO₂ Utilization and Solar FuelsCarbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS). Conversion of CO₂ into fuels and value-added chemicals. Solar fuels and efuels. Artificial photosynthesis. Photocatalysis, photothermal catalysis and photoelectrochemical processes for CO₂ valorization.5. Advanced Materials and Innovative Energy Conversion ProcessesAdvanced materials for photovoltaics, semiconductors and catalysts. Nanostructured and multifunctional materials. Innovative energy conversion processes, including photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, sonocatalysis, plasma catalysis and microwave-assisted catalysis. Introduction to artificial intelligence for the design and discovery of advanced energy materials.6. Energy Storage and Circular EconomyElectrochemical energy storage systems: lithium-ion, sodium-ion and emerging battery technologies. Supercapacitors and hydrogen storage systems. Recovery of critical raw materials from spent batteries. Circular economy approaches and recycling strategies for energy materials.
Textbook Information
| Textbook Information1. Class notes in pdf format.2. Fabrizio Cavani et al. - Fondamenti di Chimica industriale - Zanichelli (Ed. Aprile 2022)3. Pierluigi Barbaro and Claudio Bianchini- Catalysis for Sustainable Energy Production4. Selected review articles from leading international journals.
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Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Energy Resources and Sustainability | Notes + recommended text |
| 2 | Energy Sources and the Energy Transition | Notes + recommended text |
| 3 | Hydrogen Economy | Notes + recommended text |
| 4 | CO₂ Utilization and Solar Fuels | Notes + recommended text |
| 5 | Advanced Materials and Innovative Energy Conversion Processes | Notes + recommended text |
| 6 | Energy Storage and Circular Economy | Notes + recommended text |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
FailKnowledge and understanding of the subject: major deficiencies and inaccuracies; gaps also in basic chemistry knowledge; unsatisfactory performance in the numerical exercise.Analytical and synthesis skills: frequent generalizations.Use of references: inappropriate.
18–20Knowledge and understanding of the subject: very modest, with evident imperfections; numerical exercise barely sufficient.Analytical and synthesis skills: just sufficient.Use of references: barely appropriate.
21–23Knowledge and understanding of the subject: slightly more than sufficient; numerical exercise sufficient.Analytical and synthesis skills: fair ability to analyze and synthesize; arguments are logically and coherently presented.Use of references: appropriate use of course material.
24–26Knowledge and understanding of the subject: good knowledge; numerical exercise completed without difficulty.Analytical and synthesis skills: good ability to analyze and synthesize; topics are presented coherently.Use of references: appropriate use of course material.
27–29Knowledge and understanding of the subject: more than good; numerical exercise completed without difficulty.Analytical and synthesis skills: strong analytical and synthesis skills.Use of references: shows deeper understanding of the topics.
30–30 cum laudeKnowledge and understanding of the subject: excellent; numerical exercise completed without difficulty.Analytical and synthesis skills: outstanding analytical and synthesis abilities.Use of references: significant and insightful elaboration of topics.
The assessment may also be carried out remotely, should regulations allow and circumstances require it.