Technique for observing 'mechanochemical' synthesis could boost green chemistry
Sunday, December 2, 2012 - 13:30
in Physics & Chemistry
Bulk solvents, widely used in the chemical industry, pose a serious threat to human health and the environment. As a result, there is growing interest in avoiding their use by relying on "mechanochemistry" – an energy-efficient alternative that uses high-frequency milling to drive reactions. Because milling involves the intense impact of steel balls in rapidly moving jars, however, the underlying chemistry is difficult to observe.