Boosting energy input and milling efficiency in a mixer mill with 3D-printed milling bodies

Abstract

Applying energy efficient, sustainable chemical methods is crucial to science and society. By minimising both solvent quantity and energy consumption, synthetic mechanochemistry shows a high potential in that respect. In industrial settings, this technique would benefit from targeted equipment maximising the energy input. Here, we designed, 3D-printed, and tested multiple new milling bodies with various geometries. Using a triboluminescent copper complex as indicator, high speed footage and time measurements allowed quantification of the milling efficiency of those milling bodies. Changing them from the commonly used milling balls to shapes, which corresponded better with the vessel geometries, like cylinders, improved the energy transfer and enhanced the overall milling efficiency by orders of magnitude. The results were confirmed by a representative organic reaction. The required equipment modifications are easily implemented and can reliably lower the energy consumption during mechanochemical synthesis.