Green solvents for sustainable separation processes

Solvent-based separation processes can reduce the required energy input for separation, improve biocompatibility, and allow for mild responsive separation systems that are applicable when distillation is technically not feasible because of the delicate nature of (bio)molecules to be separated. Owing to the increasing awareness of the need for a green and sustainable industry, the interest in green solvents for separation processes is growing. Being able to tailor solvent properties and solvent biocompatibility are key properties for making processes sustainable and allowing flexibility regarding feed and product composition of the separation processes involved. This work aims to give an overview of solvent developments toward more sustainable and green separation processes. For all solvent systems, it is key that not only the primary separation operation is considered, but the entire process including solvent recovery, because that is typically where the energy should be invested.