Supercritical carbon dioxide systems for sustainable and efficient dissolution of solutes: a review

Green chemistry aims at replacing toxic solvents by safer solvents such as supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO(2)), which displays zero surface tension, outstanding transport properties, high diffusivity, and tuned solubilization by changing the pressure and temperature, or adding cosolvents. Nonetheless, the practical application of scCO(2)-based technologies under supercritical conditions requires sophisticated systems for optimal operation. Here, we review scCO(2)-based systems with focus on dyeing, extraction, chromatographic, and cleaning systems. All scCO(2)-based systems consist of a CO2 supply and pump part, a cosolvent providing part, and a parameters controlling part, yet there are different reaction vessels depending on solute types and practical functions. Developing more normalized, intelligentized, and durable scCO(2)-based systems should render the scCO(2)-based technologies be more economic, controllable, flexible, and suitable for wider applications.