Showing papers in "Current opinion in chemical engineering in 2012"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a short review of the chemical, environmental, water and osmotic power communities on FO processes in order to conduct meaningful R&D and develop effective and sustainable FO technologies for clean water and clean energy.
Abstract: The purpose of this short review is to share our understanding and perspectives with the chemical, environmental, water and osmotic power communities on FO processes in order to conduct meaningful R & D and develop effective and sustainable FO technologies for clean water and clean energy.
322 citations
TL;DR: Fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass increases process flexibility and allows for integrated processing of C5 and C6 sugars as discussed by the authors, allowing for increased yields of platform chemicals such as furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural and levulinic acid.
Abstract: Fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass increases process flexibility and allows for integrated processing of C5 and C6 sugars. Recent advances using acidic treatments to deconstruct biomass in combination with organic solvents to create biphasic systems have allowed for increased yields of platform chemicals such as furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural, and levulinic acid. Management of the mineral acids used in pretreatment steps remains a challenge, but proper organic solvent selection, such as 2-sec-butylphenol, allows for complete recovery and recycle of mineral acid. Using solvents with high partition coefficients for extraction of products in biphasic unit operations allows the concentrations of products to be increased and improves the efficiency of downstream processing options, such as distillation or further upgrading reactions. Overall, fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass allows for a flexible, integrated processing approach that we hope will advance biorefining operations, allowing commercial biomass processing to become a reality.
298 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the use of naturally occurring biodegradable materials, such as vitamins, sugars, tea or polyphenol-rich agricultural residues, which serve as reducing and capping agents, is demonstrated and may help assist in designing nanomaterials with reduced toxicity.
Abstract: The integration of ‘Green Chemistry’ principles into the rapidly evolving field of nanoscience is a necessity for the risk reduction. Several ‘greener’ pathways have been developed to generate nanoparticles in the matrix in which they are to be used thus reducing the exposure risk during handling. The use of naturally occurring biodegradable materials, such as vitamins, sugars, tea or polyphenol-rich agricultural residues, which serve as reducing and capping agents, is demonstrated and may help assist in designing nanomaterials with reduced toxicity. The sustainable use of such green-synthesized nanoparticles in environmental remediation applications and the utility of recyclable magnetic nanoparticles to accomplish nano-catalysis in benign media are highlighted.
271 citations
TL;DR: This analysis shows that the Wood–Ljungdahl (WL) pathway is the most efficient, based on the most expensive substrate (i.e. H2 or electrons), for the production of acetate and ethanol.
Abstract: An increasing focus on environmental sustainability has led to an ongoing global effort to better understand and engineer platform organisms that economically convert CO2 and other waste gases into useful biofuels and chemicals. Using stoichiometric and energetic analyses, we assess the efficiencies of four non-photosynthetic CO2 fixation pathways of practical importance, with a focus on engineered strains. The analysis compares the pathways based on their ATP and H2/electron requirements, the number of enzymes required, and the production of three model chemicals: ethanol, acetate, and butanol. Our analysis shows that the Wood–Ljungdahl (WL) pathway is the most efficient, based on the most expensive substrate (i.e. H2 or electrons), for the production of acetate and ethanol. Chemoautotrophically, butanol formation is an ATP-limited process, making anaerobic production from the WL pathway inefficient; however, higher potential butanol titers are predicted for the aerobic pathways. Mixotrophic growth, in which organic substrates are fed alongside H2/CO2, alleviates the ATP limitations and thus improves the yields for both aerobic and anaerobic butanol production. We also calculate maximal yields, both chemoautotrophic and mixotrophic, based on the WL pathway for two other important molecules: 2,3-butanediol and butyrate.
204 citations
TL;DR: A review of the rate, products, and mechanisms of thermal degradation of amines can be found in this paper, where the degradation of the amine at 100−150°C limits the maximum T/P and therefore the energy performance of the solvent regeneration.
Abstract: Amine scrubbing will be an important technology for CO2 capture and storage. The degradation of the amine at 100–150 °C limits the maximum T/P and therefore the energy performance of the solvent regeneration. This is a review of the rate, products, and mechanisms of thermal degradation. Primary and secondary ethanolamines and ethylenediamines degrade at 100–130 °C as they form cyclic oxazolidinones and ureas. Tertiary amines can be more resistant to degradation if they do not include methyl and ethanol groups. Piperazine structures and long chain diamines such as hexamethylenediamine degrade by ring opening and closing and can be used at 150–160 °C. Thermal degradation can produce products that are more volatile than the parent amines.
159 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed an innovative concept related to the implementation of membrane technology in crystallization processes, which is called Membrane crystallization (MCr) and is a methodology for the production of cocrystals.
Abstract: Membrane crystallization (MCr) is an innovative concept related to the implementation of membrane technology in crystallization processes. Some important advantages make this methodology of growing interest: well-controlled nucleation and growth kinetics, fast crystallization rates and reduced induction time, membrane surface promoting heterogeneous nucleation, fine modulation of the level and rate of supersaturation, selection of polymorphic forms, extension of the MCr concept to antisolvent crystallization, and production of cocrystals.
135 citations
TL;DR: A brief overview of the recent techniques and methodologies, grouped in several topics: Water footprints and LCA; water/wastewater minimisation, including Water Pinch, Mathematical Programming techniques and combined water-energy minimisation are briefly mentioned in this article.
Abstract: Water is used in most process industries for a wide range of applications. Industrial processes and systems using water are being subjected to increasingly stringent environmental regulations relating to the discharge of effluents. There is a growing demand for fresh water, which makes it precious in more and more countries very precious and in some parts of the world a crucial commodity. The changes and the pace of these changes have increased the need for improved water management and wastewater minimisation. The adoption of water minimisation techniques can effectively reduce overall fresh water demand in water using processes and subsequently reduce the amount of effluent generated. This can result in reducing the cost incurred in the acquisition of fresh water and the cost of the treatment of effluent streams. This paper provides a brief overview of the recent techniques and methodologies, grouped in several topics: Water footprints and LCA; water/wastewater minimisation – including Water Pinch, Mathematical Programming techniques and combined water-energy minimisation. Case Studies demonstrating the significance of those techniques are briefly mentioned.
117 citations
TL;DR: Three methodologies are identified as the backbone of nature-inspired reactor and catalysis engineering, when using a fundamentally rooted approach, adapted to the specific context of chemical engineering processes, rather than mimicry.
Abstract: Mechanisms used by biology to solve fundamental problems, such as those related to scalability, efficiency and robustness could guide the design of innovative solutions to similar challenges in chemical engineering. Complementing progress in bioinspired chemistry and materials science, we identify three methodologies as the backbone of nature-inspired reactor and catalysis engineering. First, biology often uses hierarchical networks to bridge scales and facilitate transport, leading to broadly scalable solutions that are robust, highly efficient, or both. Second, nano-confinement with carefully balanced forces at multiple scales creates structured environments with superior catalytic performance. Finally, nature employs dynamics to form synergistic and adaptable organizations from simple components. While common in nature, such mechanisms are only sporadically applied technologically in a purposeful manner. Nature-inspired chemical engineering shows great potential to innovate reactor and catalysis engineering, when using a fundamentally rooted approach, adapted to the specific context of chemical engineering processes, rather than mimicry.
94 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the advantages and drawbacks of dynamic filtration are discussed and currently available industrial Filtration modules are presented and three equations are given to calculate the shear rates of various modules, with disks rotating near fixed membranes, rotating membranes on a single shaft and vibrating membranes such as in the VSEP.
Abstract: The advantages and drawbacks of dynamic filtration are discussed and currently available industrial filtration modules are presented. Since membrane shear rates are the key factor governing their performance, three equations are given to calculate the shear rates of various modules, with disks rotating near fixed membranes, rotating membranes on a single shaft and vibrating membranes such as in the VSEP. Recent applications taken from the literature confirm the large gains relatively to crossflow filtration in permeate flux and membrane selectivity, owing to large reductions in cake formation and concentration polarization. One of the advantages of this technology is that, with rotating membranes, it gives a choice between increasing the flux by factor of 3–5 as compared to crossflow filtration by using high rotation speeds or obtaining the same flux at low speed, but with a large energy saving. The power consumed by vibrations in large industrial VSEP units is small, owing to the use of resonance frequency.
65 citations
TL;DR: Although the pace for discovering novel microorganisms has slowed over the past two decades, genome sequence data have provided clues to novel biomolecules and metabolic pathways, which can be mined for a range of new applications.
Abstract: Extremely thermophilic microorganisms have been sources of thermostable and thermoactive enzymes for over 30 years. However, information and insights gained from genome sequences, in conjunction with new tools for molecular genetics, have opened up exciting new possibilities for biotechnological opportunities based on extreme thermophiles that go beyond single-step biotransformations. Although the pace for discovering novel microorganisms has slowed over the past two decades, genome sequence data have provided clues to novel biomolecules and metabolic pathways, which can be mined for a range of new applications. Furthermore, recent advances in molecular genetics for extreme thermophiles have made metabolic engineering for high temperature applications a reality.
62 citations
TL;DR: A review of the recent development of modified clays, zeolites and layered double hydroxides based sorbents for the removal of aqueous contaminants such as heavy metals, natural and synthetic organic matter and anion contaminants is presented in this article.
Abstract: It has been particularly interesting to develop an adsorbent demonstrating a high adsorption capacity and low cost for removing various pollutants from contaminated waters. Inorganic chemical adsorbents have thus been studied widely, aiming at providing an alternative to the activated carbon in the treatment of surface and ground water and industrial effluents. This article aims to review and provide new insight into the recent development of modified clays, zeolites and layered double hydroxides based sorbents for the removal of aqueous contaminants such as heavy metals, natural and synthetic organic matter and anion contaminants. A new type of sorbent, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), is also introduced owing to its extremely high surface areas and promising adsorption capacity in treating emerging organic micro-pollutants.
TL;DR: In this article, the use of heterogeneous microporous and mesoporous catalysts for sugar dehydration is reviewed and potential barriers that need to be overcome for commercial use of these catalysts are discussed.
Abstract: Sugar dehydration is an effective way to deoxygenate biomass for the production of renewable chemicals and fuels. This chemistry typically happens using inorganic acids that impose major environmental burdens. We review the use of heterogeneous microporous and mesoporous catalysts for this chemistry and the key attributes of such materials, that is, the ratio of Bronsted to Lewis acid sites, mesoporosity, and hydrophobicity. While some of these materials, especially those combining microporosity and mesoporosity, show promising results for biomass processing in aqueous environment, there is a clear lack of fundamental understanding that severely limits their commercial use for these reactions. Potential barriers that need to be overcome for the use of heterogeneous acid catalysts are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide a review of the progress that has been made on process industry supply chains focusing in recent years (2008 onwards), while concluding on the work done are strained, while the tendencies and future challenges in the area are identified.
Abstract: Process industry supply chains (SCs) involve challenging and complex problems that have been addressed by the process systems engineering community in recent years. Shah in 2005 (Shah N: Process industry supply chains: advances and challenges. Comput Chem Eng 2005, 29:1225–1235. The paper provides a comprehensive review on the process industry supply chains. Discusses major achievements and explores industrial examples. Challenges are identified where the evidence that supply chains of the future will be quite different from the past is recognized) stated in his review that process industry SCs were still striving to improve efficiency and responsiveness and were facing new challenges that needed further research. Optimization was pointed out as a possible path to follow aiming at building tools that can help the involved decision makers. From that time onwards several works have explored this pathway but there is still space for improvement, especially due to the outer shell of new emerging problems. The present paper provides a brief review of the progress that has been made on process industry SCs focusing in recent years (2008 onwards). Conclusions on the work done are strained, while the tendencies and future challenges in the area are identified.
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TL;DR: The authors examines critical issues for four solar fuel technologies: solar-powered electrolysis, photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems, solar biomass gasification, and solar thermochemical cycles.
Abstract: Solar fuels are a long-term permanent solution to renewable fuel technologies to reduce foreign oil imports and carbon dioxide emissions. Although promising in laboratory and pilot scale, they possess inherent technical and economic challenges that hinder large-scale implementation. This work examines critical issues for four solar fuel technologies: solar-powered electrolysis, photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems, solar biomass gasification, and solar thermochemical cycles. Also identified are areas of chemical and materials engineering research that are essential to cost-competitive solar fuels production.
TL;DR: In this article, the transient coupling between reaction and transport, and links between catalyst composition, structure, NOx conversion, and selectivity to N2 and NH3 are discussed.
Abstract: The reduction of NOx (NO + NO2) in lean burn vehicle exhaust is the latest challenge for catalytic engineers to meet increasingly stringent emissions standards. The lean NOx trap (LNT) is an adsorptive catalytic reactor in which NOx is stored as nitrates in excess O2 and then reduced during a brief regeneration. The multi-functional Pt-based LNT catalyst must carry out NO oxidation, NOx storage, and NOx reduction, all within a 1–2 min cycle and achieve >95% NOx conversion. This review describes studies of the transient coupling between reaction and transport, and links between catalyst composition, structure, NOx conversion, and selectivity to N2 and NH3. A glimpse is offered of emerging lean NOx reduction technologies and the new challenges they pose.
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of the most recent concepts and structural components constituting the supply chain management (SCM) problem is presented, and new perspectives come into focus for enterprise-wide decision-making through the use of ontologies that provide a general model representation for different decision-support levels at different time and space scales.
Abstract: There is a large body of work on modelling and optimisation of the supply chain in the chemical process industry. This review summarises the most recent concepts and structural components constituting the SC. It describes the enlarged scope presently attributed to supply chain management, which departs from classical approaches focused on operations to a more integrated conception that jointly considers necessary decisions from other business functional areas (e.g. corporate finances, new product development, environmental management), as well as captures the complex dynamics characterizing the supply chain management (SCM) problem. Moreover, new perspectives come into focus for enterprise-wide decision-making through the use of ontologies that provide a general model representation for different decision-support levels at different time and space scales.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present an update of MCMs development efforts, including the recent progress in membrane materials and their chemical resistance; the membrane architecture especially the tubular asymmetric membranes and hollow fiber membranes; and the pilot-scale planar and membrane modules.
Abstract: Because of the emission of larger amount of CO 2 , power generation from fossil fuel has resulted in serious environmental problems. Integrating dense mixed-conducting membranes (MCMs) into power cycles with CO 2 capture has been considered as the most advanced technology for high efficiency and clean power production. This paper presents an update of MCMs development efforts, including the recent progress in membrane materials and their chemical resistance; the membrane architecture especially the tubular asymmetric membranes and hollow fiber membranes; and the pilot-scale planar and membrane modules. The oxyfuel technique using MCMs for oxygen production and its commercial prospects are discussed. Finally, current challenges related to the industrialization of MCMs are addressed and possible future research is also outlined.
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the results of the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction is presented, focusing on some selectivity issues, such as the olefin to paraffin ratios of the lower hydrocarbons.
Abstract: Because of the world energy crisis, there has been renewed interest in the Synthesis (Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS)) reaction over the last few years. In spite of the fact that it has been studied for over 80 years an adequate description of its kinetics still seems to escape us. There are still significant experimental results that do not appear to fit in with any current theories. In this review we will look at some new results covering a wide range of areas but will focus on some that may help to throw light on the phenomena occurring during reaction. This will include the overall reaction and some selectivity issues particularly the olefin to paraffin ratios of the lower hydrocarbons.
TL;DR: In this paper, two different types of membranes, namely supported carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes and Pd membranes, were used for hydrogen production from coal and biomass.
Abstract: We summarize here our recent efforts in hydrogen production from coal and biomass using membrane-based reactive separations. We utilize two different types of membranes, namely supported carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes, which are made via the pyrolysis of polymeric precursors and Pd and Pd-alloy membranes prepared via electroless plating techniques. We discuss the development of the ‘one-box’ process to economically produce pure hydrogen from coal-derived and biomass-derived syngas in the presence of its common impurities through the use of the water gas shift reaction via the use of CMS membranes and an impurity-tolerant commercial Co/Mo/Al2O3 catalyst. We conclude by discussing the use of Pd membranes during production of ultra-pure hydrogen from coal and biomass.
TL;DR: A short review of recently developed mesoporous silicas with emphasis on their complicated structures and synthesis mechanisms is given in this paper, where electron crystallography and electron tomography are compared to elucidate their respective strength and limitations.
Abstract: Periodically ordered mesoporous silicas constitute one of the most important branches of porous materials that are extensively employed in various chemical engineering applications including adsorption, separation and catalysis This short review gives an introduction to recently developed mesoporous silicas with emphasis on their complicated structures and synthesis mechanisms In addition, two powerful techniques for solving complex mesoporous structures, electron crystallography and electron tomography, are compared to elucidate their respective strength and limitations Some critical issues and challenges regarding the development of novel mesoporous structures as well as their applications are also discussed
TL;DR: Ferenc Friedler is the Rector of University of Pannonia and the Head of the Department of Computer Science and Systems Technology in Veszprem, Hungary and the co-founder of P-graph framework for process synthesis with Prof L.T. Fan.
Abstract: Ferenc Friedler is the Rector of University of Pannonia and the Head of the Department of Computer Science and Systems Technology in Veszprem, Hungary. His research interest is in process systems engineering focusing on mathematical modelling and optimization. He is the co-founder of P-graph framework for process synthesis with Prof. L.T. Fan. He has also established the S-graph framework for batch process scheduling.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors review transport properties, solubility and permeability in mixed matrix membranes obtained by loading fumed silica nanoparticles in different glassy polymers, interesting for membrane separations.
Abstract: The improvement of the separation performance of polymeric membranes for gas separations has been pursued by the addition of specific fillers, which produced diverse and even unexpected behaviors, hard to rationalize and to predict, both quantitatively and qualitatively. In particular, the addition of fumed silica nanoparticles in glassy polymeric membranes has shown unusual properties that apparently lead to the indication that only a specific experimental analysis could provide the information required for the permeability and separation of the gases of interest. We review transport properties, solubility and permeability in mixed matrix membranes obtained by loading fumed silica nanoparticles in different glassy polymers, interesting for membrane separations, and revise the main modeling procedure suitable to calculate and predict the relevant transport properties in such mixed matrix membranes.
TL;DR: In this article, an optimal reducer configuration that provides effective gas-solid contacting pattern, and the need for favorable thermodynamics of the oxygen carrier medium were identified as the important challenges for an eventual chemical looping combustion with solid fuels commercial scale-demonstration.
Abstract: Direct solid fuel combustion using the concept of chemical looping is a novel approach projected to have higher energy efficiency than conventional and competing technologies in a carbon-constrained scenario. The concept is first discussed by presenting a thermodynamic analysis on oxygen carrier material selection. Iron-based material is considered as a promising candidate, and its salient features in the context of solid fueled chemical looping combustion (CLC) are introduced. The CLC reactor configurations are compared based on the modes of reducer design and operation, which significantly affects the whole system performance. A brief review on recent experimental studies indicates that initial results for the solid fueled CLC technologies are promising. An optimal reducer configuration that provides effective gas–solid contacting pattern, and the need for favorable thermodynamics of the oxygen carrier medium were identified as the important challenges for an eventual chemical looping combustion with solid fuels commercial scale-demonstration.
TL;DR: Considering the significant role of chemical bonding in both reaction and crystallization processes, the authors emphasized that exquisite fabrication of nanomaterials can be realized by essentially controlling the bonding processes during crystallization.
Abstract: Rapid development of nanomaterials with their outstanding physical/chemical properties and subsequently extraordinary functions indicates that nanoscience and nanotechnology are no longer unacquainted in our daily life. However, exquisitely controlling the crystallization of nanomaterials, building complex architecture and nanodevices, and finally realizing their practical applications still remain challenges in improving our civilization. Starting from the challenges in the crystallization of nanomaterials which acts as the cornerstone of their practical applications, we review recent advances in crystallization strategy, formation mechanism, and theoretical modeling of nanomaterials. Considering the significant role of chemical bonding in both reaction and crystallization processes, we emphasize that exquisite fabrication of nanomaterials can be realized by essentially controlling the bonding processes during crystallization.
TL;DR: In this paper, the recent development of molecular modeling is critically highlighted for gas and liquid separations in MOFs, and bottom-up strategies have been proposed for gas separation in MOF, particularly CO2 capture.
Abstract: As a new family of nanoporous materials, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered versatile materials for widespread applications. Majority of current studies in MOFs have been experimentally based, thus little fundamental guidance exists for the judicious screening and design of task-specific MOFs. With synergistic advances in mathematical methods, computational hardware and software, in silico molecular modeling has become an indispensable tool to unravel microscopic properties in MOFs that are otherwise experimentally inaccessible or difficult to obtain. In this article, the recent development of molecular modeling is critically highlighted for gas and liquid separations in MOFs. Bottom-up strategies have been proposed for gas separation in MOFs, particularly CO2 capture. Meanwhile, interest for liquid separation in MOFs is growing and modeling is expected to provide in-depth mechanistic understanding. Despite considerable achievements, substantial challenges and new opportunities are foreseeable in more practical modeling endeavors for economically viable separations in MOFs.
TL;DR: Current topics in the engineering of mammalian cell membrane proteins are reviewed, including cell fate control with artificial ligands, screening of membrane proteins, mapping of protein–protein interactions, cancer therapy, viral display methods for vaccination/screening, and smart protein labeling technologies using a chemical tool.
Abstract: Mammalian cell membrane proteins are attractive targets for engineering, because they are located at the interface between intracellular and extracellular milieus and play a pivotal role in controlling cell fates. Recent progresses in understanding the molecular mechanism of membrane proteins have enabled us to engineer these proteins for use in biomedical applications. The applications include cell fate control with artificial ligands, screening of membrane proteins, mapping of protein–protein interactions, cancer therapy, viral display methods for vaccination/screening, and smart protein labeling technologies using a chemical tool. This paper reviews current topics in the engineering of mammalian cell membrane proteins.
TL;DR: In this article, a review of recent investigations on hydrocarbon reforming processes for syngas production is presented, where it is shown that CO2 emission may be substantially reduced in the carbon-intensive petrochemical and allied industries if it used as co-feed to a forced periodically operated reformer to minimise coking even at the low steam:carbon ratio of about 1.
Abstract: The paper is a synopsis of recent investigations on hydrocarbon reforming processes for syngas production. It is shown that CO2 emission may be substantially reduced in the carbon-intensive petrochemical and allied industries if it used as co-feed to a forced periodically operated reformer to minimise coking even at the low steam:carbon ratio of about 1. Additional benefits include, better flexibility in H2:CO ratio to meet downstream olefins or oxygenates manufacture; improved product yield and catalyst longevity. The survey revealed that a basic oxide supported Ni-containing catalyst appropriately promoted with alkaline-earth or rare-earth metals is favoured over more expensive noble metals.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors highlight the potential of this approach to produce cost effective biosynthetic routes to fuels, chemicals and pharmaceuticals in an envisioned future bio-based economy, and highlight the benefits of such a route.
Abstract: Concerns about future oil supplies and climate change are fueling interest in sustainable alternative sources of energy and chemicals. Biomass is a renewable feedstock that has the potential to replace a significant fraction of petroleum used today. Advances in metabolic engineering and biotechnology have made it possible to engineer microorganisms capable of converting simple sugars derived from various sources including cellulosic feedstocks into a diverse range of products. We highlight the potential of this approach to produce cost effective biosynthetic routes to fuels, chemicals and pharmaceuticals in an envisioned future bio-based economy.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors address the challenges in teaching product design, given the continued need to emphasize process design in the crowded undergraduate chemical engineering curriculum, and emphasize the importance of creating case studies that permit students to carry out engineering design calculations.
Abstract: This paper addresses the challenges in teaching product design, given the continued need to emphasize process design in the crowded undergraduate chemical engineering curriculum. Experiences are related using new teaching materials. Also, the importance of creating case studies that permit students to carry out engineering design calculations is emphasized.
TL;DR: Gas-expanded liquids (GXLs) as discussed by the authors are a continuum of tunable solvents generated by mixing liquid and compressed near-critical gases such as CO2 and light olefins.
Abstract: Gas-expanded liquids (GXLs) are a continuum of tunable solvents generated by mixing liquid solvents and compressed near-critical gases such as CO2 and light olefins. The compressed gas provides tunability of the physical and transport properties of GXLs making them ideal for performing sustainable catalysis characterized by process intensification at mild conditions, high product selectivity and facile separation of catalyst and products. Sustainable technology alternatives to industrial hydroformylations and epoxidations that employ GXLs as enabling solvents are provided. In these examples, the GXLs involve conventional organic as well as non-traditional solvents such as ionic liquids (ILs) and compressible gases such as CO2 (as inert) or light olefins (as substrates). Such technologies are essential for facilitating sustainable growth of the fledgling biorefining industry.