Deep eutectic solvents for the production and application of new materials

The search for both new and sophisticated materials that meet the needs of the modern era, and for sustainable eco-efficient processes, has raised deep eutectic solvents (DES) to a prominent position. Research focused on the use of these solvents - highly advantageous in economic, practical, and environmental terms - for the creation of innovative materials has been growing fast, and a very large number of publications reporting the use of DES as valuable alternatives to overcome the limitations of conventional solvents, and even ionic liquids, has been published. DES have proved to offer tremendous opportunities and have opened new perspectives to produce novel and refined materials. This review focuses on recent advances concerning these new materials and on the practices that have been developed employing DES as solvents. The definition, preparation and unique properties of DES are first addressed, followed by a more extensive description of their applications in polymer, metal deposition and nanomaterial science and sensing technologies. Their impact in the production processes and in the properties of the materials obtained, as well as their key role as designer solvents, is highlighted. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.