Donation of Books – Green Chemistry: a young science

UoM’s young scientist, Ackmez Mudhoo, lecturer at the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, donated this Friday 28 October three books to the University of Mauritius. The books regrouping articles from other international scientists have been published by the author himself. Mr Mudhoo and his co-editors aimed through this endeavour to share knowledge on Green Chemistry, a relatively young science, and how it can be used to foster safer and more sustainable practices and products which embody environmental stewardship.

His latest publication is entitled ‘A Handbook on Applications of Ultrasound – Sonochemistry for Sustainability’. Prof Morgan, Vice-Chancellor of the University, thanked Ackmez Mudhoo for his donation and has entrusted these three books to the UoM library. The library, he says, “is a storehouse of knowledge where all staff and students can benefit of this knowledge and participate in the progress of further knowledge”.

Abstract

Following the establishment of the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry by Prof Paul T. Anastas and Prof John C. Warner, there has been a steady growth in our understanding of what Green Chemistry means.  Green Chemistry is a relatively young science in its own respect. Interest in this discipline is growing rapidly and is transgressing several cascading research areas in science, engineering and technology.  The in−depth understanding of the principles that backbone Green Chemistry has spurred many outstanding efforts to implement chemical processes and innovative technologies that are incrementally taking modern society towards safer and more sustainable practices and products which embody and foster environmental stewardship.

Sonochemistry is a branch of chemical research dealing with the chemical effects and applications of ultrasonic waves, i.e. longitudinal sound waves with frequencies above 20 kHz that lie beyond the upper limit of human hearing.  Although the range of ultrasonic frequencies can be extended up to 100 MHz.  Sonochemistry shares with sustainable chemistry such aims as the use of less hazardous chemicals and solvents, a reduced energy consumption and an increased product selectivity.  In this regard, ultrasonic heating and irradiation are in many instances complementary techniques for driving chemical reactions with a higher efficiency and effectiveness. Ultrasound, an efficient and virtually innocuous means of activation in synthetic chemistry, has been employed for decades with varied successes. Not only can this high–energy input enhance mechanical effects in heterogeneous processes, but it is also known to induce new reactivities leading to the formation of unexpected chemical species.  Sonochemistry is unique in its remarkable phenomenon of cavitation, currently the subject of intense research, and which has already produced interesting results.

Ultrasonic irradiation and the associated sonochemical and sonophysical effects are complementary techniques for driving more efficient chemical reactions and yields. Sonochemistry and sustainable (green) chemistry both aim to use less hazardous chemicals and solvents, reduce energy consumption, and increase product selectivity.  A comprehensive collection of knowledge, Handbook on Applications of Ultrasound: Sonochemistry for Sustainability covers the a pool of the most relevant aspects linked to and linking green chemistry practices to environmental sustainability through the uses and applications of ultrasound-mediated and ultrasound-assisted biological, biochemical, chemical, and physical processes. Chapters are presented in the areas of: Medical applications, Drug and gene delivery, Nanotechnology, Food technology, Synthetic applications and organic chemistry, Anaerobic digestion, Environmental contaminants degradation, Polymer chemistry, Industrial syntheses and processes, Reactor design, Electrochemical systems and Combined ultrasound-microwave technologies.  While the concepts of sonochemistry have been known for more than 80 years, in-depth understanding of this phenomenon continues to evolve. Through a review of the current status of chemical and physical science and engineering in developing more environmentally-friendly and less toxic synthetic processes, this book highlights many existing applications and enormous potential of ultrasound technology to upgrade present industrial, agricultural, and environmental processes.

Handbook on Applications of Ultrasound – Sonochemistry for Sustainability

Editor(s): Dong Chen (USA), Sanjay K. Sharma (India), Ackmez Mudhoo (University of Mauritius)

Other books donated:

Handbook of Applied Biopolymer Technology – Synthesis, Degradation and Applications - Editor(s):  Sanjay K Sharma (India), Ackmez Mudhoo (University of Mauritius)

Green Chemistry for Environmental Sustainability - Editor(s):  Sanjay K Sharma (India), Ackmez Mudhoo (University of Mauritius)