Innovative applications of dichloromethane (DCM) are currently not centered on expanding its traditional role as a solvent but rather on “how to use and handle it more safely and efficiently” and exploring its unique value in specific high-tech fields.
I. Process Innovation: As a Green and Efficient “Process Tool”
Due to its excellent volatility, low boiling point, and solvency, DCM is used as an efficient “process aid” in innovative technologies rather than as a component of the final product, thereby reducing overall consumption and emissions.
1.Efficient Devolatilizing Agent for Polyolefin Production
Innovation: Some companies have developed technologies that introduce DCM as a stripping agent in the screw devolatilization process for polyolefins (e.g., POE).
Advantage: DCM effectively reduces material viscosity and surface partial pressure, significantly improving the efficiency of removing residual monomers and volatile organic compounds. This process has low equipment requirements and high cost-effectiveness, making it more energy-efficient and efficient compared to traditional high-vacuum or high-temperature devolatilization.
2.Green Reaction Medium for Pharmaceutical Synthesis
Innovation: In the pharmaceutical industry, DCM remains difficult to replace entirely due to its strong solvency. The innovation lies in combining it with advanced reaction technologies and recycling processes to achieve closed-loop circulation.
Application: Integrated with continuous flow chemistry and automated synthesis reactors, DCM solvent is real-time recycled and purified through built-in online condensation recovery systems, significantly reducing single-batch consumption and exposure risks.
II. Circular Technology: Efficient Recycling and Degradation
In response to stringent environmental regulations, significant innovations have been made in DCM recycling and end-of-pipe treatment technologies.
1.Energy-Efficient Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) Technology
Innovation: Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) technology is used for condensation recovery of high-concentration DCM waste gas.
Advantage: Corrosion-resistant, highly stable DCM vapor compressors developed by companies like Chongtong Group can reuse the energy of secondary steam, reducing comprehensive operating energy consumption by over 40%, enabling efficient and economical DCM recovery.
2.Low-Temperature High-Efficiency Catalytic Degradation Technology
Innovation: Developing novel catalysts to efficiently and completely degrade DCM into harmless substances at low temperatures (70-120°C).
III. Special Applications in High-End Manufacturing and New Materials
In some cutting-edge fields where material performance requirements are extremely high, DCM’s unique properties make it temporarily irreplaceable.
1.Photoelectric Material Processing
Application: In the preparation of perovskite solar cells, OLED light-emitting layers, and high-end photoresists, extremely high-purity uniform thin films are required. Due to its excellent solubility and moderate boiling point for many high-performance polymers and small molecules, DCM remains one of the preferred solvents for laboratory and small-scale precision preparation of high-quality films.
2.Supercritical Fluid Extraction
Application: DCM can be used as a modifier or co-solvent in combination with supercritical CO₂ for efficient and highly selective extraction of specific compounds (e.g., alkaloids, essential oils) from natural products. Its extraction efficiency and selectivity are superior to those of pure supercritical CO₂ fluid.
IV. Summary and Outlook
Overall, innovative applications of dichloromethane are moving in two clear directions:
Process Innovation: Transitioning from “open consumption” to “closed-loop circulation,” using it as an efficient process medium paired with advanced recycling technologies, with the ultimate goal of reducing net consumption and environmental emissions.
Value Innovation: Maintaining its position in specific high-tech fields where it is difficult to replace (e.g., high-end pharmaceuticals, photoelectric materials) by integrating with other advanced technologies to leverage its unique value.
Future developments will continue to revolve around the theme of “safer, greener, and more efficient.” On one hand, research into lower-toxicity alternative solvents will advance, while on the other hand, technologies for optimizing the use and disposal of DCM will continue to evolve, minimizing risks in scenarios where its use is unavoidable.
Post time: Sep-15-2025