Molecular Physics of Supercritical Fluid Technologies

By Tae-Young Yoon

Supercritical fluids occupy a unique space between liquids and gases, showing unusual behaviors such as density fluctuations, transport anomalies, and tunable solvation. These properties make them powerful tools for processes ranging from extraction and drying to nanomaterial synthesis and environmental treatment. Yet, the connection between molecular-level understanding and real-world industrial design remains difficult, as near-critical phenomena are both complex and highly sensitive to operating conditions. Molecular Physics of Supercritical Fluid Technologies narrows this gap by combining core principles with practical design strategies. The first part of the book introduces the essential theory statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, molecular simulations, and interfacial science, presented in a coherent and accessible way. The second part moves toward applications, showing how these concepts support supercritical extraction, drying and particle formation, thin-film synthesis, supercritical water processes, and battery recycling. Each topic is complemented by case studies, visual explanations, and computational tools to guide process development and scale-up. Designed for graduate students, researchers, and industry professionals in fields such as chemical engineering, pharmaceuticals, food science, and environmental science, the book provides both a solid theoretical foundation and practical insights. By linking molecular physics with engineering practice, it equips readers to innovate confidently and apply supercritical fluid technologies more effectively in diverse sectors.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0443491852
• ISBN13: 9780443491856
• Release Date: June 2027
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Length: 350 Pages