Understanding the Fundamentals of Mechanochemistry

Mechanochemistry has emerged as a successful paradigm, showcasing its capability to transition numerous reactions traditionally conducted in solution to the solvent-free environment of ball mills. These ball mills are conventionally employed to reduce particle size and breaking down matter via mechanical energy. This conjures the compelling supposition that the same mechanical energy is the prime enabler for chemical reactions if conducted in a ball mill as well, leading to IUPAC´s definition of mechanochemistry as the

"chemical transformation resulting from the absorption of mechanical energy."

Mecha-NO-chem challenges the current definition of mechanochemistry fundamentally. My hypothesis is that the majority of transformations labeled as mechanochemical reactions are not induced through mechanical means, but rather conventional reactions enhanced by highly efficient mixing, operating under thermal control at or near room temperature.

To proof or disproof this hypothesis we first have to establish the

I Understanding Mechanochemistry

II Combining Mechanochemistry with other techniques:

• Photo-Mechanochemistry

• Thermo-Mechanochemistry

• Media-Free Mechanochemistry

III New Catalysis Concepts

IV Mechanochemical Synthesis of:

• Porous Materials

• Small-Organic Molecules

• Porous Carbons

V Utilization of Waste Products and Renewable Ressources

Our capabilities: