Mechanochemistry as a Gamechanger

Abstract

In an era of ever-mounting hurdles related to energy, resources, the environment, and labor costs, innovative ideas are urgently needed to overcome the difficulties of materials production. Mechanochemistry could be a gamechanger in this regard. This review reassesses selected topics in mechanical activation and mechanochemical processes. The discussion begins with the fundamental principles and mechanisms of change in the electronic states of polyatomic systems due to forced deformation, and followed by the cutting-edge, environmentally benign technology. The latter includes scaling up organic syntheses and preparing new functional metal-organic frameworks and non-calcining building materials. These topics may not always align with the interests of some readers of this journal. However, revising established concepts in conventional materials genres and fusing knowledge from different disciplines will provide the powder engineering community with new insights and trigger breakthroughs.