Sonochemistry in Green Processes: Modeling, Experiments, and Technology

Abstract

The discovery of sonochemistry and the advent of green processing concept occurred with a time difference of almost four decades and one-step ahead for sonochemistry. Yet sonochemistry is often winded for its green character. For sure, sonochemistry was not first implemented in this perspective, which suggests a “benign-by-design process.” This idea is deeply questioned in the first part of the present chapter. Besides, the attribute “green sonochemical process” requires a priori the existence of the chemical effect of ultrasound and the validation of the 12 principles of green chemistry established by Anastas and Warner. A coarse investigation of the literature demonstrated that this attribute is used by abuse in some cases of “false sonochemistry.” Moreover, the analysis of several sonochemical processes leaves no doubt that it is impossible to satisfy simultaneously the 12 principles of green chemistry. By examining both preceding aspects, we conclude that strictly speaking, we should qualify a sonochemical process as “greener” rather than “green.”