A supercritical fluid (SCF) is any substance at a temperature and pressure above its critical point, where distinct liquid and gas phases do not exist, but below the pressure required to compress it into a solid. ... SCF are much superior to gases in their ability to dissolve materials like liquids or solids.

Why are supercritical fluids important?

One of the most important properties of supercritical fluids is their ability to act as solvents. Solubility in a supercritical fluid tends to increase with the density of the fluid (at constant temperature). Since density increases with pressure, solubility tends to increase with pressure.

Are supercritical fluids a state of matter?

chemical separation

Gaseous substances beyond a specific temperature and pressure (the critical point) become a supercritical fluid, a state that is more dense than a gas but less dense than a liquid. A supercritical fluid can thus dissolve (i.e., solvate) species better than a gas…