Advances in low-temperature extraction of natural resources using liquefied dimethyl ether
Qingxin Zheng, Masaru Watanabe
Abstract
This review summarized the valuable works on the extraction technologies using pure liquefied dimethyl ether (DME) as the organic solvent. DME is a colorless gas with a slight ether-like fragrance at room temperature and pressure. Due to some special properties, such as the strong ability for extracting organic compounds and water, high extraction rate, cheap price, low extraction temperature, and energy consumption, environmental friendliness, safety, and good compressibility, the application of liquefied DME to the extraction process shows many advantages and has strong potential market competitiveness. On the other hand, the drawbacks of liquefied DME extraction technology were also revealed, mainly on fire hazards, solvent loss, and lack of large-scale application. Furthermore, the previous studies on the application of liquefied DME extraction technology were divided into three parts based on the extracts (water, lipid/oil, and specific ingredients) and listed one by one. The research of the liquefied DME extraction process is still in development. In the future, it is expected that this technology can be continuously improved and optimized in both lab and industrial scales, together with the extension of its application range to more various natural resources.