2.3 Green Chemistry Flashcards
What is carbon neutrality
Means that a chemical process such as fuel combustion doesnt lead to an overall increase in co2 levels.
Eg replanting trees and sugar canes to match those being burnt for fuel
What is the energy problem in green chemistry
Serious problems of supply with finite resources and non renewable resources of fossil fuels like coal oil and gas.
Huge increase in demand as worlds increasing population.
What is non renewable energy and what are the main sources
- Nonrenewable energy comes from sources that will run out or will not be replenished in our lifetimes
Fossil Fuels (coal, oil, gas) - Nuclear Fuel
What is chemical synthesis
Making a new chemical by joining together simpler chemicals
What are the environmental impacts of chemical synthesis
The route which has the most renewable reactants , highest atom economy w minimum waste and conditions that don’t require a lot of energy is better as it improves sustainability
How is acid rain produced
Sulfur dioxide (produced when combusting impure hydrocarbon fuels) evaporates into the air. It reacts with water in the clouds to form sulfuric acid. This is ‘acid rain’.
How is bioethanol carbon neutral
It’s produced from crops which absorb co2 to grow which balances the co2 being released when fuel is burnt
What are the 8 green principles
Prevent waste
Increase atom economy
Use safer methods and solvents
Increase energy efficiency
Use renewable raw materials
Use catalysts
Prevent pollution and waste
Design for biodegradation
What are the environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels
Fossil fuels are a finite resource and aren’t a sustainable source of energy
● Carbon Dioxide contributes to the greenhouse effect, and causes global warming
● Sulphur Dioxide leads to acid rain, which can damage buildings, lower the ph of large bodies of water killing wildlife, and kill vegetation
