Deep eutectic solvents as a green toolbox for synthesis

Abstract

Energy and environmental issues are increasingly prominent, and sustainable synthetic strategies are needed in response. As a class of green and easily modified solvent, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) may contribute to this goal. Composed of monomers from biological sources, they are biodegradable with low toxicity, facilitating large-scale use. Indeed, their applications are already widespread on both the laboratory and industrial scales. This review focuses on the application of DESs in materials synthesis. After a brief summary of their use in organic synthesis, four strategies for materials synthesis are surveyed: solvothermal methods, electrodeposition, calcination, and polymerization. Materials synthesized using DESs are expected to find application among both academia and industry.