Abstract

Subhranshu Panda and Sirisha Gorantla^*

The shift towards environmental sustainability in industrial processes has intensified the demand for eco-friendly solvents, as traditional organic solvents pose significant ecological and health risks due to their volatility, toxicity, and environmental persistence. Green solvents derived from renewable resources or designed to minimize environmental impact, provide a sustainable solution and are gaining traction as viable substitutes in industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and materials manufacturing. This review explores advancements in the use of green solvents like water, ionic liquids, supercritical fluids, bio-based solvents, and deep eutectic solvents. These alternatives are valued for properties such as non-volatility, low toxicity, biodegradability, and recyclability, which reduce the environmental footprint of industrial operations. For instance, supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) has proven versatile in decaffeination and pharmaceutical synthesis, while ionic liquids are favoured for electrochemical and separation processes due to their tunable properties. Bio-based solvents, like ethyl lactate from renewable biomass, exemplify the integration of circular economy principles. Despite their benefits, challenges such as scalability, production costs, and the need for thorough life-cycle assessments remain. Continued research, industry collaboration, and regulatory support are essential to overcome these hurdles and accelerate the adoption of green solvent technologies. By embracing these eco-friendly alternatives, industries can significantly reduce pollution, conserve resources, and achieve global sustainability goals, contributing to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.

Environmental footprint; Eco-friendly; Bio-based solvents; Green solvents; Industrial processes

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