Supercritical

Supercritical refers to the state of a substance when it is above its critical point, meaning it cannot be liquefied by pressure alone. This state has unique properties that are different from those of the same substance in its gas or liquid state.

Overview

A supercritical fluid is any substance at a temperature and pressure above its critical point. It can diffuse through solids like a gas, and dissolve materials like a liquid. In addition, close to the critical point, small changes in pressure or temperature result in large changes in density, allowing many properties of a supercritical fluid to be "fine-tuned".

Supercritical Fluids

Supercritical fluids are used in a variety of applications. They are used in the supercritical fluid extraction process, where they are used to separate and purify compounds. They are also used in the supercritical fluid deposition process, where they are used to deposit thin films of material onto a substrate.

Supercritical Water

Supercritical water is water in a state that is neither liquid nor gas. After the critical point, there is no distinction between the liquid and gas state. Supercritical water can be used as a green solvent and has applications in a variety of areas, including waste treatment and power generation.

Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Supercritical carbon dioxide is a fluid state of carbon dioxide where it is held at or above its critical temperature and critical pressure. It is used as a more environmentally friendly alternative for traditional solvents in a variety of industrial processes.

See Also

• Critical point (thermodynamics)
• Phase transition
• Triple point

References

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