About this Research Topic
Inspired by metabolic reactions in water, the imperative use of solvents for chemical reactions has been wrongly assumed for a long time, delaying the progress on Mechanochemical-assisted processes. Recently, such area of Chemistry has been recognized and formalized for the IUPAC into the chemical literature. Consequently, research on solvent-free processes induced by mechanical forces has increased in recent years, looking for more sustainable scenarios where the use of solvents could be reduced. Indeed, the rise of Mechanochemistry has encompassed several fields, including materials science for the design of advanced nanomaterials for catalysis or energy storage applications, and organic synthesis for the discovery of new compounds and organic molecules. Remarkably, mechanochemical methods have been also engaged in biomass valorization, which is a hot topic due to its possible impact for sustainable development.
Mechanochemistry has been demonstrated to be a suitable and sustainable option for materials science and organic chemistry. One of the main advantages of mechanochemistry is the reduction of solvents and additional reagents, as well as the reduction of reaction times, besides its inherent simplicity and reproducibility. However, the environmentally friendly character of a process needs to consider several factors, not only the methodology but also the use of renewable feedstocks. In this regard, the combination of mechanochemical approaches with the use of biomass-derived starting materials, for the production of high-added value chemicals and materials, is an area that requires attention from the scientific community, looking forward to developing biorefinery schemes where the use of environmentally friendly protocols will be integrated.
The Research Topic “Mechanochemistry for Biomass Valorization” will be focused on the possibilities of mechanochemical protocols for the valorization of biomass residues or biomass-derived platform chemicals. Three main areas will be addressed, namely:
(1) The transformation of biomass-waste into advanced nanomaterials through mechanochemical strategies
(2) The mechanochemical catalytic upgrading of biomass-derived platform chemicals into high added-value chemicals and fuels
(3) The mechanochemically-assisted extraction of nutraceuticals and bioactive compounds from biomass-derived wastes
This research topic welcomes the submission of papers based on original research that describe applications of mechanochemistry with a green chemistry approach, Review, mini-review, and perspective articles that focus on the advances and prospect of mechanochemical techniques in biomass valorization are also welcomed. Submissions taking into account the 12 principles of green chemistry, with the notion of scale-up, energy consumption, and design of the equipment will also be appreciated.
Mechanochemistry has been demonstrated to be a suitable and sustainable option for materials science and organic chemistry. One of the main advantages of mechanochemistry is the reduction of solvents and additional reagents, as well as the reduction of reaction times, besides its inherent simplicity and reproducibility. However, the environmentally friendly character of a process needs to consider several factors, not only the methodology but also the use of renewable feedstocks. In this regard, the combination of mechanochemical approaches with the use of biomass-derived starting materials, for the production of high-added value chemicals and materials, is an area that requires attention from the scientific community, looking forward to developing biorefinery schemes where the use of environmentally friendly protocols will be integrated.
The Research Topic “Mechanochemistry for Biomass Valorization” will be focused on the possibilities of mechanochemical protocols for the valorization of biomass residues or biomass-derived platform chemicals. Three main areas will be addressed, namely:
(1) The transformation of biomass-waste into advanced nanomaterials through mechanochemical strategies
(2) The mechanochemical catalytic upgrading of biomass-derived platform chemicals into high added-value chemicals and fuels
(3) The mechanochemically-assisted extraction of nutraceuticals and bioactive compounds from biomass-derived wastes
This research topic welcomes the submission of papers based on original research that describe applications of mechanochemistry with a green chemistry approach, Review, mini-review, and perspective articles that focus on the advances and prospect of mechanochemical techniques in biomass valorization are also welcomed. Submissions taking into account the 12 principles of green chemistry, with the notion of scale-up, energy consumption, and design of the equipment will also be appreciated.
Keywords: Mechanochemistry, Biomass valorization, Green chemistry, Heterogeneous catalysis, Bioactive compounds
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
