Sample interview questions: How do you approach designing experiments to minimize environmental impact or reduce waste generation?
Sample answer:
Approaches to Designing Environmentally Conscious Experiments
- Use Microreactors and Reduced Scale Experiments: Employ miniaturized reaction vessels and reduced sample volumes to minimize reagent consumption and waste generation.
- Optimize Reaction Conditions: Screen various reaction parameters (e.g., temperature, catalysts) to identify optimal conditions that minimize waste and maximize yield.
- Use Greener Solvents and Reagents: Select environmentally friendly solvents (e.g., water, ethanol) and reagents (e.g., bio-based substitutes) that reduce toxicity and waste.
- Implement Scavengers and Trapping Agents: Utilize chemical scavengers or trapping agents to remove reactants or products that could potentially contribute to environmental impact.
- Design for Recyclability: Incorporate techniques such as solvent recovery or catalyst reuse to minimi… Read full answer