Mechanochemistry Gains Academic Momentum but Industrial Patent Activity Remains Limited

Mechanochemistry, defined as the use of mechanical forces such as grinding, milling, and shearing to induce chemical transformations, is attracting increasing interest within academic circles. This method offers a solvent-free alternative to traditional chemical reactions and the potential to enable entirely new processes. However, despite a surge in academic publications, corporate patenting activity in mechanochemical technologies remains comparatively modest, indicating a slower pace of industrial adoption.

The roots of mechanochemistry trace back hundreds of thousands of years, with early humans using friction to create fire and ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus documenting the reduction of cinnabar to mercury through grinding. Today, mechanochemistry has evolved into a modern scientific discipline, with milling identified as the most common technique, followed by grinding, ultrasonication, and reactive extrusion.

In 2019, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) recognized reactive extrusion—a continuous, solvent-free mechanochemical process using screws—as one of ten chemical innovations poised to transform the world. This contrasts with traditional batch processes like grinding and milling.

While mechanochemistry is predominantly explored in academia, several companies, particularly in Japan, have actively patented mechanochemical technologies. Fujifilm leads in this area, holding multiple patents related to mechanochemical polishing methods, including a technique for chemically polishing modified polysilicon wafers used in semiconductor manufacturing. Panasonic has patented mechanochemical synthesis methods for halide battery electrolytes utilizing ball milling.

In North America, Canadian company Carbon Upcycling Technologies has patented mechanochemical methods to activate phyllosilicate minerals and other materials for carbon dioxide sequestration. Another of its patents covers the activation of low-kaolinite feedstocks combined with materials like asphalt, cement, and polymers to produce concrete.

James Mack, a chemistry professor at the University of Cincinnati, exemplifies academic confidence in mechanochemistry’s industrial potential. In 2022, he founded Cinthesis Solutions to assist companies in evaluating whether solvent-based, high-temperature reactions can be replaced with more sustainable mechanochemical processes using equipment such as ball mills or twin-screw extruders.

Mack is also affiliated with the US National Science Foundation’s Center for the Mechanical Control of Chemistry at Texas A&M University, where chemists and mechanical engineers collaborate to develop new instruments for mechanochemical reactions. The center aims to lower barriers for researchers entering mechanochemical fields.

According to Mack, resistance to mechanochemistry within the chemical community is cultural rather than scientific. He observes that companies are generally open to adopting mechanochemical methods, but convincing scientists to shift their practices poses a greater challenge.

Mack draws a parallel between mechanochemistry’s trajectory and the historical skepticism toward continental drift theory proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912. Just as plate tectonics eventually became foundational in geology despite initial dismissal, mechanochemistry may similarly become integral to chemical manufacturing.

This evolving landscape suggests that while mechanochemistry’s academic momentum is strong, its translation into widespread industrial use will require overcoming entrenched cultural attitudes alongside continued technological development and patenting efforts.