<i>Operando</i> acoustic analysis: a valuable method for investigating reaction mechanisms in mechanochemistry

Abstract

We present a new <i>operando</i> approach for following reactions taking place in mechanochemistry, relying on the analysis of the evolution of the sound during milling. We show that differences in sound can be directly correlated to (physico)chemical changes in the reactor, making this technique highly attractive and complementary to others for monitoring mechanochemical reactions. Most notably, it can provide unique information on the actual movements of the beads within the milling jars, which opens new avenues for helping rationalize mechanochemical processes.