Mechanochemical strategies for environmental remediation and resource recovery.

Mechanochemistry is emerging as a distinct strategy for the sustainable conversion of recalcitrant substrates (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and spent batteries), as well as small molecules such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) into valuable chemical products. By harnessing mechanical force, mechanochemical processes can promote chemical transformations under relatively mild, and solvent-free conditions, while potentially reducing hazardous emissions and simplifying process requirements. However, a coherent mechanistic framework and consistent sustainability evaluation remain underdeveloped. This review synthesizes the key mechanistic pathways, including radical and reactive intermediate generation, electron transfer, solid-gas interface activation, impact-driven micro-temperature (T)/pressure (P), phase transformation, and catalyst-assisted mechanoredox. These mechanistic insights are discussed together with advanced characterization techniques and integrated with techno-economic analysis (TEA), life cycle assessment (LCA), product sustainability index (ProdSI), and uncertainty analysis. By highlighting both opportunities and limitations, this Review aims to provide a balanced framework for guiding the future development of mechanochemical technologies for environmental remediation and resource recovery.