A reflection on synthesis by extrusion ten years on: achievements, challenges and opportunities for solvent-free, sustainable, continuous chemical manufacturing

Abstract

In 2015, we and colleagues published an article reporting that it was possible to synthesise metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and discrete coordination complexes by Twin Screw Extrusion (TSE) – a remarkably efficient, continuous and potentially scalable synthesis technique that required little or no solvent (D. Crawford, J. Casaban, R. Haydon, N. Giri, T. McNallyand S. L. James, Chem. Sci. 2015, 6, 1645, https://doi.org/10.1039/C4SC03217A). In the years since its publication, this work has had impact across both academia and industry. Here, we reflect on the origins of that study and its place in the rapidly advancing field of mechanochemical synthesis. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the further development and implementation of TSE as an enabling and sustainable method for chemical synthesis and manufacturing.