Practical Approaches to Green Solvents

TLDR

Solvents are widely used but contaminate air, land, and water, prompting research into solvent‑free processes and recycling, yet these solutions have limits, driving the search for environmentally benign alternatives. This report outlines practical opportunities for implementing green solvents.

Abstract

Solvents are widely used in commercial manufacturing and service industries. Despite abundant precaution, they inevitably contaminate our air, land, and water because they are difficult to contain and recycle. Researchers have therefore focused on reducing solvent use through the development of solvent-free processes and more efficient recycling protocols. However, these approaches have their limitations, necessitating a pollution prevention approach and the search for environmentally benign solvent alternatives. This report highlights opportunities for the practical implementation of such green solvents.