Mechanochemistry in the preparation of advanced materials

Abstract

Mechanochemistry is a branch of solid state chemistry which inquires into processes which proceed in solids due to the application of mechanical energy. At present, mechanochemistry appears to be a science with a sound theoretical foundation which exhibits a wide range of potential application. Amongst the potential viable processes we can mention the modification of properties of building materials, the new method of fertilizer production, the activity enhancement and regeneration of catalysts, the new method of modification of solubility and bioavailability of drugs in pharmacy, the control of reaction kinetics in the chemical technology and last but not least the recent achievements in the synthesis of advanced materials. In this review paper, the definition of mechanochemistry and its history is given with the types of mills applied. Theoretical background for enhanced reactivity is given, several characterization methods and two examples of application in materials science and pharmacy are described.

Keywords

• mechanochemistry
• mill
• reactivity
• STM
• AFM
• TEM
• nanocrystal
• pharmacy
• arsenic