Deep eutectic solvents show interesting prospects as more sustainable alternatives for metal separation and recovery.

The valorization of sugars from lignocellulosic biomass has attracted much interest for the production of chemicals and fuels. From the dehydration of glucose or fructose and xylose, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) and furfural can be obtained, respectively, which are highly praised chemicals used as building blocks. To increase the productivity of the process avoiding undesired side reactions that furans may undergo in the reaction phase, many authors follow a liquid–liquid approach. This way, an in situ extraction of the dehydration products occurs from the reaction phase (usually aqueous) to an organic solvent phase. Solvent selection is a matter of interest in Green Chemistry; therefore, careful consideration must be given to select the most appropriate alternatives in terms of performance, environmental, health and safety (EHS) impacts and subsequent downstream processing. For performance, the COnductor-like Screening MOdel for Real Solvents (COSMO-RS) has emerged as a tool to screen among different candidates based on structural information of the molecules. For EHS considerations, different solvent guides assist in the assessment of the most favourable alternatives. This review provides a comprehensive survey of the solvents and operational conditions employed in the biphasic dehydration of sugars to 5-HMF and furfural, followed by an account of the selection guides and methods for the evaluation of solvents, including COSMO-RS. Finally, to contrast with the most commonly selected solvents, such as methyl isobutyl ketone, a rational screening is presented here for the biphasic production of furans based on COSMO-RS predictions and the assessment of the selection guides. Predictions and further validation of the distribution coefficients show that ethyl acetate and methyl propionate are promising solvents for the in situ extraction of 5-HMF and furfural from aqueous media whilst being ranked as recommended green solvents by most solvent selection guides available in literature.

The Taylor‐Couette reactor (TCR) is an apparatus that capitalizes on the Taylor‐Couette flow, which allows many flow regimes and conditions to perform (bio‐)chemical conversions with precise control of various reactor characteristics. With the possibility to continuously perfuse the reactor with a reaction medium, the TCR becomes interesting for chemical engineering applications. In this review, we introduce this reactor type and provide an overview of its history, principles of the flow regimes, and a description and design aspects of the reactors and their elements. Available information in the literature is summarized and harmonized to present available formulas and correlations in a consistent set of variables. Additionally, a wide number of applications in process technology are covered, including reactions in homogeneous, photo, and enzymatic catalysis, polymer synthesis, and crystallization and aggregation‐flocculation processes. Focusing on this reactor configuration, this article intends to be used as a hub for scientific groups interested in TCRs.

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are starchy tuberous crops that represent the world’s fourth most important crop. According to the “Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations,” 376 million metric tonnes of potatoes were produced globally in 2021. It is anticipated that around 8000 kilotons of potato peel waste might be generated in 2030, with related greenhouse gas emissions of 5 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. Waste generated throughout the food supply chain, from potato farms to forks, contributes considerably to global warming. Apart from animal feed, technical processes in the potato processing industry generate waste organic residues with high amounts of bioactive compounds and carbohydrates, and thus extraction and bioconversion processes can produce high-value products. These include the isolation of functional ingredients for the formulation of nutraceuticals and pharma products, bioenergy-related products, enzymes, and fertilizers for the market, hence contributing to a more responsible production and consumption and, overall, circular economy. This review focuses on studies involving potato waste from industries such as pulp, processed water, peels, and mash showing the great prospects of the by-products from this crop for value-added supply chains and the reduction of undesired environmental effects. This work attempts to adhere upon several Sustainable Development Goals, specifically goals 7, 12, and 13, while also contributing to long-term growth targets and reducing negative environmental consequences produced by the food sector.