About mechanochemistry
Mechanochemistry (MC) is the art to construct/deconstruct bonds by ‘the direct absorption of mechanical energy’ (as per the IUPAC definition), where transformations are induced by mechanical forces applied by impact, shear, compression or tension. This benign-by-design method bridges chemistry, engineering, and environmental sciences, promoting sustainability via green chemistry and engineering principles.
Mechanochemical reactions occur without solvents (or with very small amounts of solvent), reducing waste and potentially energy consumption, complying with UN SDGs and the European Green Deal. Moreover, MC allows expansion of the chemical space, unlocking unique reaction pathways inaccessible by conventional methods.
COST action
In 2019, the COST Action CA18112 “Mechanochemistry for Sustainable Industry” (MechSustInd) was launched, uniting over 150 scientists and industry experts from 46 countries (38 in Europe) across 4 continents, to advance cooperation between industrial partners and academics toward the integration of mechanochemistry into chemical processes at the R&D and production scales. The initiative focused on developing scalable processes, standardising nomenclature and providing guidelines, identifying industrial needs, promoting knowledge exchange and training researchers and new generation of scientists. This multidisciplinary network consolidating scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and investors, promotes sustainable practices based on the exploitation of mechanical activation at different scales. The IUPAC Task Group on ‘Terminology and Symbolisms in Mechanochemistry’ was also established, further integrating foundations of mechanochemistry.
The innovative character of the COST Action CA18112 has become a ‘case study’ for innovation in dedicated impact assessment studies. The initiatives resulting from the COST Action CA18112 are now burgeoning beyond its lifetime. Along this line, building on this success, the European Chemical Society (EuChemS) has enabled the creation of a Working Party on Mechanochemistry (Figure 1). This Professional Network (PN) aims to become an ecosystem for science and innovation to strengthen the visibility and integration of the field within the European scientific community by fostering collaboration and networking, organising conferences, workshops and webinars, by continuing in promoting educational initiatives and recognising excellence through competitions and awards.
EuChemS Working Party on Mechanochemistry
Presently, the PN comprises 32 members representing 22 Chemical Societies which are members of EuChemS. This PN consolidates recognised experts from different fields of mechanochemistry with a well-balanced geographical distribution. The number of members is growing, bearing witness to an increased interest in this innovative approach to “think chemistry differently”.
January 20th marks the first milestone, with the election of the Board members of the EuChemS Working Party on Mechanochemistry: Evelina Colacino (Chair, Societé Française de Chimie), Zara Cherkezova-Zheleva (Secretary, Union of Chemists of Bulgaria), Ladislav Celko (Treasurer, Czech Chemical Society) and Clara Gomes (Web Editor, Portuguese Chemical Society).
With a dedicated webpage launching soon, the PN aims to push mechanochemistry forward. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable chemistry!
