The course will cover the topic of climate change starting with the discussion of the role of carbon dioxide, other greenhouse gases and pollutants in the environment. This will lead to a general discussion of the climate science models and the different predictions which have been made, as well as attempt to eliminate any myths regarding some controversy involving climate science and how we know that we are in danger. This will try to include the effects of climate change on the environment, which include acidification of the oceans and thermal storage.
The concept of chemical equilibria with the earliest known method of industrialized carbon captures which are amine washing solutions. These solutions were exploited early to remove sulphur from sour natural gases. The evolution of the amine washing system will be discussed and will include its advantages and disadvantages in the current industrial climate. The second section will look at other materials that have the potential to replace the amine washing process. This includes the absorption of gases onto porous solid materials, porous solid membranes, other types of amine washing liquids.
The final discussion will include what can be done with carbon dioxide. In this case, there are a few options that can be discussed. The first discussion would the storage of carbon which would include, where, why and is it realistic. The second discussion would include the application of carbon dioxide within the modern economy; we can discuss the technologies which exist which make good use of carbon dioxide. The third and final topic would be the chemical reduction of carbon dioxide back into useful organic compounds.
The overall goal of the course is to give the student a foundation on issues involving climate change and where their skills are important in this field.
- Nauczyciel: Lowe Alexander