Hyper-cross-linked polymers (HCPs) are receiving great
attention
due to their high specific surface areas, allowing them to offer high
performances in many different applications. However, most of the
time, their syntheses require hazardous and time-consuming protocols,
making their implementation and scaling up difficult. To overcome
this problem, a relatively old technology such as mechanosynthesis
(MS) has gained renewed interest as a greener and faster technology
to produce HCPs, which involves much lower energy consumption during
the reaction process. In this perspective, the latest advances on
the performances of HCPs based on MS protocols are compiled and analyzed,
subdivided into those based on Friedel–Crafts alkylation, Scholl
coupling reactions, and other less common procedures. An analysis
of MS versus solvent-based protocols regarding the 12 principles of
green chemistry is also reported, as well as a section including a
summary of the most recent applications of HCPs. Finally, the use
of biobased precursors for the formulation of HCPs is discussed, thus
pooling knowledge for greener, faster, and more widely applicable
future development of HCPs.