Supercritical water (SCW) has shown unique physico-chemical properties that could be exploited by several promising technologies for the development of clean energy systems and sustainable conversion processes. As up to now the state of the art of SCW science and technology has been only partially addressed, this work aims to propose a comprehensive and accessible review of current techno-scientific status, providing a critical analysis of recent advances and research outlooks. An adequate introduction to SCW physical chemistry is often overlooked, therefore, the paper rigorously describes the anomalous thermodynamic behaviour of SCW and shed light on how molecular dynamics, solvation and transport properties reflect it. The potential applications of SCW in the fields of renewable energy and green chemistry are then presented, highlighting strengths and remaining challenges for each technology. The review shows the significant potential of SCW gasification in bio-fuels production and explores clean electricity generation in supercritical power plants. Novel applications and main critical aspects are also reviewed for extraction processes, synthesis of nanomaterials, and the organic waste treatment through SCW oxidation. Finally, knowledge gaps and technical issues are systematically discussed to identify the potential development directions and guide future research to new achievements.
Clean energy solutions and green chemical processes via supercritical water: Recent advances and future directions in science and technology
Bartolomeo Cosenza;
2025-01-01
Abstract
Supercritical water (SCW) has shown unique physico-chemical properties that could be exploited by several promising technologies for the development of clean energy systems and sustainable conversion processes. As up to now the state of the art of SCW science and technology has been only partially addressed, this work aims to propose a comprehensive and accessible review of current techno-scientific status, providing a critical analysis of recent advances and research outlooks. An adequate introduction to SCW physical chemistry is often overlooked, therefore, the paper rigorously describes the anomalous thermodynamic behaviour of SCW and shed light on how molecular dynamics, solvation and transport properties reflect it. The potential applications of SCW in the fields of renewable energy and green chemistry are then presented, highlighting strengths and remaining challenges for each technology. The review shows the significant potential of SCW gasification in bio-fuels production and explores clean electricity generation in supercritical power plants. Novel applications and main critical aspects are also reviewed for extraction processes, synthesis of nanomaterials, and the organic waste treatment through SCW oxidation. Finally, knowledge gaps and technical issues are systematically discussed to identify the potential development directions and guide future research to new achievements.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
