Activated Carbons from Hydrochars Prepared in Milk.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) converts organic matter into hydrochars.
• Hydrochars can be further processed into activated carbons.
• Investigating alternative HTC media is crucial for waste valorization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate milk as a medium for HTC of organic materials.
• To compare hydrochars and activated carbons derived from milk versus water.
• To assess the potential of converting waste milk into valuable carbon materials.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal carbonization of milk (with/without fibrous biomass) and water.
• Characterization of hydrochars (elemental composition, mineral content).
• Production and characterization of activated carbons from hydrochars (surface area, CO2/N2 uptake).

Main Results:

• Milk-derived hydrochars had higher carbon (aliphatic) and mineral content, and lower oxygen content compared to water-derived hydrochars.
• Activated carbons from milk showed lower initial surface area and CO2 capacity, but normalized values were comparable.
• Inorganic mass from milk primarily influenced CO2 adsorption capacity, not inherent carbon properties.

Conclusions:

• Hydrothermal carbonization is a viable method for converting waste milk into hydrochars and activated carbons.
• Milk can be used as an effective medium for HTC, contributing unique properties to the resulting carbons.
• Milk-derived activated carbons exhibit CO2 uptake capacities within the typical range for activated carbons.