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 to quantify the milling efficency 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 efficency by orders of magnitude. The required equipment modifications are easily implemented and can reliably lower the energy consumption during mechanochemical synthesis.Green foundation1. This investigation takes the already green technology of mechanochemistry to a further step by introducing new milling body geometries which enhance the energy transfer. As a result, the milling machine has a lower energy consumption. 2. In this study, the particle size degradation of a triboluminescent copper complex served as analytical tool. With the use of cylindrical milling bodies, the decay time of the light emission could be reduced to under 20% of the required time with a normal milling ball. This leads to less stress on the machines, as well as time and energy savings in the operational environment. 3. Future research will be focused on the applicability of the new milling bodies in mechanochemical reactions with the vision to reduce external heating and the usage of milling auxiliaries.