Mechanochemical Transformations of Biomass into Functional Materials

Abstract

This publication is part of a joint Special Collection of Chemistry -Methods and ChemSusChem including invited contributions focusing on "Methods and Applications in Mechanochemistry". Please visit chemsuschem.org/ collections to view all contributions.

Polymer and small molecule mechanochemistry: closer than ever

“…In addition to the manipulation of manufactured polymers, ball milling techniques have also been reported to facilitate the depolymerization of biopolymers [35]. On the one hand, the implementation of solvent-free ball milling has enabled to surpass the insolubility and recalcitrant reactivity of cellulose [36,37], chitin [38,39], and lignin (Figure 2) [40,41].…”

High‐Humidity Shaker Aging to Access Chitin and Cellulose Nanocrystals**

“…Mechanochemistry is rapidly establishing itself as an effective tool to cut on solvent/aqueous waste, [17, 18] and it has been explored for the valorization of biomass, in the context of biopolymers deconstruction [19] and functional materials fabrication [20, 21] . It is commonly used as pre‐treatment to solution‐based chemical methods, as a physical means to break bonds.…”

“…Mechanochemistry is rapidly establishing itself as an effective tool to cut on solvent/aqueous waste, [17,18] and it has been explored for the valorization of biomass, in the context of biopolymers deconstruction [19] and functional materials fabrication. [20,21] It is commonly used as pre-treatment to solution-based chemical methods, as a physical means to break bonds. Mechanochemical processes have been used for nanopolysaccharide production, yet are still challenged by the need for heat, solvents, and multiple reaction steps leading to sub-optimal yields and nanomaterial properties, including crystallinity and dispersibility.…”

Extraction of Chitin from Green Crab Shells by Mechanochemistry and Aging

“…28,41 In this context, mechanochemistry appears as a great tool to explore the valorization of biomass with lean energy and material usage. 42,43 Mechanochemistry consists of the use of mechanical milling or shearing to induce chemical reactions and has emerged as an important method to conduct chemical transformations in either the complete absence of solvents 44−46 or the presence of a small amount of liquid (i.e., liquid-assisted grinding, LAG). 47−49 It addresses issues related to solubility, separation, and selectivity, while reducing the overall effluents and energy demands.…”

“…In this context, mechanochemistry appears as a great tool to explore the valorization of biomass with lean energy and material usage. , Mechanochemistry consists of the use of mechanical milling or shearing to induce chemical reactions and has emerged as an important method to conduct chemical transformations in either the complete absence of solvents − or the presence of a small amount of liquid (i.e., liquid-assisted grinding, LAG). − It addresses issues related to solubility, separation, and selectivity, while reducing the overall effluents and energy demands . In this context, solid-state aging has also emerged as a low-energy and “solvent-free” alternative to solution-based methods for the production of organic and inorganic materials. − Our group has previously investigated and developed methods based on mechanochemistry and aging for the transformation and functionalization of polymers while preserving their chain structure. − In the specific context of crustacean waste valorization, Yan and Kerton’s groups have explored the use of mechanochemistry for the deacetylation of chitin into chitosan − and our group a combination of mechanochemistry and aging. − However, the use of these methods for chitin extraction remains unexplored.…”