Design and Application of Surfactants for Carbon Dioxide; Making Carbon Dioxide a Better Solvent in an Effort to Replace Solvents that Damage the Environment

Module Description

Author Contact: dheald@siena.edu

Summary

New surfactants are being developed to expand the use of carbon dioxide as a less hazardous solvent, replacing volatile and halogenated organic solvents. The module begins by comparing the properties, hazards, and atmospheric chemistry of available solvents, and highlighting advantages and some of the challenges associated with using carbon dioxide as a greener solvent. After focusing on the solubility of substances in carbon dioxide, the module describes the design of a styrene - fluoroacrylate co-polymer surfactant and its application to the dry cleaning industry. The module is recommended for a general chemistry course during discussions of phase diagrams, supercritical fluids and molecular polarity and includes notes to instructors along with a PowerPoint presentation.

Summary prepared May 2005 by Julie A. Haack, Department of Chemistry at the University of Oregon.

Category Descriptors

Chemistry Concepts

• Hydrogen Bonding
• Phases/Phase Transitions
• Solutions/Solvents
• Sublimation (Physical Properties of Matter)

Laboratory Techniques

• Sublimation (Separation and Purification)

Green Chemistry Principles

• Design Less Hazardous Chemical Syntheses
• Increase Energy Efficiency
• Maximize Atom Economy
• Minimize the Potential for Accidents
• Prevent Waste
• Use Safer Solvents/Reaction Conditions

Chemistry Subdiscipline

• Organic Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Polymer Chemistry

Target Audience

• Colleges/Universities

Source

• Internet Sources