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Chemistry of Sustainable Recycling

The course focuses on recycling technology for various main and by-products from industry.

Information for admitted students spring 2025

Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.

In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.

Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se

 

Checklist for admitted students

  1. Activate your university account

    The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.

  2. Register at your department

    Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.

  3. Read all the information on this page

    Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.

IMPORTANT

Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.

Information from your department

On this page you will shortly find information on registration, learning platform, etc.

Welcome activities

Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department. 

su.se/welcomeactivities 


Find your way on campus

Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.

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You will learn the basic concepts of recycling and the chemical aspects that are required to achieve sustainable recycling within a circular economy.  

Several different types of waste will be discussed, both inorganic and organic polymeric waste, as well as their significance for industrial applications.

The chemical and process engineering aspects are discussed to provide a realistic description of current recycling technologies.

The course deals with various aspects of green chemistry, including methods for achieving safer material production and preventing accidents. The course will also cover toxicological aspects of recycling.

  • Course structure

    Theoretical part (4.5 ECTS)

    • Introduction to circular systems with respect to recycling. Thermodynamics of recycling, critical raw materials, eco-efficiency vs. eco-effectiveness, life cycle analysis, desired purity levels of recycled materials. Case studies*.
    • Steps of the recycling chains. Mechanical methods for preparation of waste to recycling. Thermal and chemical methods (including the basics of electrochemistry)
    • Recycling of materials. Recycling of metals and metal-containing waste. Case studies.Recycling of plastics and paper. Recycling of glass, ceramics, slag and ashes. Recycling of basic oils and solvents. Case studies*.
    • Recycling of cars, batteries and electronics. Analysis of individual components with respect to sustainability and Green Chemistry. Case studies*.
    • Toxicological aspects of recycling. Identification of potential hazards and toxicological aspects. Case studies*.
    • Repurpose and re-use. Valorization of waste for secondary life. Case studies*.

    *Case studies will assist you to develop an understanding of the chemical aspects related to sustainable recycling. There will be assignments that are due prior to each lecture with a case study.

    Laboratory exercises (3 ECTS)

    • Electrochemical recycling of metals. Electropolishing, electrochemical separation of metals.
    • Recycling of Li-ion batteries. Physical and chemical separation of battery components, electrodeposition of metals, valorization of used batteries by conversion into catalysts for hydrogen generation
    • Chemical recycling of poly(ethylene)terephthalate (PET). 
    • Water purification. Removal of metal pollutants and photochemical removal of organic pollutants

    Modules

    Theoretical part, 4.5 ECTS

    Laboratory exercises, 3 ECTS

    Teaching format

    Lectures and assignments
    All lectures contain selected case studies linked to assignments. You will receive assignments that will be graded and counted towards the overall grade. In addition, you will work in a small group on a case study that the group will present to the class. 

    Laboratory
    Laboratory reports (electronic and print) that are corrected until the level of reporting is acceptable.

    Learning outcomes and our expectations on you

    Upon completion of the course you should be able to:

    • Conduct case studies in the course theme and communicate the findings in writing and orally
    • Perform a financial estimate of a given recycling strategy 
    • Critically evaluate waste recycling techniques with regard to sustainability 
    • Describe the manufacturing process for products with respect to a circular economy
    • Read, communicate and critically evaluate course-related scientific literature.

    You will be expected to:

    • Attend the lectures and participate in the group discussions.
    • Present your laboratory results in writing and as a presentation to the class
    • Demonstrate your learning by mandatory written exam.

    Assessment

    Completion of group case study and lab reports on time.

    Written exam (90%) and assignments (10%).

    Examiner

    Lars Eriksson 

    lars.eriksson@mmk.su.se 

  • Schedule

    The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.
  • Course reports

  • Contact

    Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office