CO2: a wild solvent, tamed.
This article reviews approaches for modification of solvent properties of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO(2)), with particular reference to self-assembly of oligomeric and polymeric solute additives. Of special interest are viscosity modifiers for scCO(2) based on molecular self-assembly. Background on polymers and surfactants with CO(2)-compatible functionalities is covered, leading on to the attempts made so far to increase the scCO(2) viscosity, which are described in detail. The significance of this field, and the implications a breakthrough could bring environmentally and economically will be addressed.
Cummings
Stephen
S
School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK.
Trickett
Kieran
K
Enick
Robert
R
Eastoe
Julian
J