Supercritic

Supercritic refers to a state of matter that exists at temperatures and pressures above a substance's critical point. At the critical point, the liquid and gas phases of a substance become indistinguishable. Beyond this point, the substance enters the supercritical state.

In the supercritical state, a substance possesses properties of both liquids and gases. It can diffuse through solids like a gas, yet it can dissolve materials like a liquid. This unique combination of properties makes supercritical fluids highly useful in various industrial and scientific applications.

One of the most common supercritical fluids is supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). It is widely used in decaffeination of coffee beans, extraction of essential oils and flavors, and in dry cleaning processes. The low toxicity and non-flammability of scCO2 make it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional organic solvents.

Other substances, such as water, can also form supercritical fluids. Supercritical water (scH2O) can be used for waste treatment, breaking down hazardous organic materials into simpler, less harmful compounds. The high temperatures and pressures involved in creating scH2O require specialized equipment and careful handling.

The ability to tune the solvent properties of a supercritical fluid by adjusting temperature and pressure is a key advantage. This allows for selective extraction and purification processes, making them valuable tools in chemical engineering and manufacturing.