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Method for Valorization of Coffee Cherry Waste via Hydrothermal Valorization Using Organic and Inorganic Acids as
Alejandra Sophia Lozano Pérez1, Valentina Romero Mahecha1, Carlos Alberto Guerrero Fajardo1
1Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 30 No. 45-02 Ed., Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
Methods and Protocols
|November 25, 2024
Summary
Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) effectively converts coffee cherry waste into valuable platform chemicals like sugars and acids. Organic acids, particularly adipic acid, significantly boost yields, showcasing sustainable biomass valorization.
Area of Science:
- Biomass valorization
- Green chemistry
- Sustainable chemical production
Background:
- Coffee cherry waste represents a significant agricultural byproduct with underutilized potential.
- Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) offers a promising route for converting lignocellulosic biomass into valuable products.
- Developing efficient catalytic systems is crucial for optimizing HTC processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of various organic and inorganic acid catalysts in the hydrothermal carbonization of coffee cherry waste.
- To enhance reaction rates, yields, and selectivity for platform chemical production.
- To identify optimal catalysts for maximizing the recovery of valuable compounds.
Main Methods:
- Coffee cherry waste was subjected to hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) under various catalytic conditions.
- A range of organic acids (e.g., adipic, benzoic, phenylacetic, butyric) and inorganic acids (e.g., sulfuric) were employed as catalysts.
- The resulting hydrochar and liquid fractions were analyzed to quantify platform chemical yields.
Main Results:
- Sulfuric acid and adipic acid demonstrated the highest catalytic activity, increasing total yields by 20%.
- Sugars, formic acid, levulinic acid, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and furfural were the primary platform chemicals produced.
- Benzoic and phenylacetic acids showed positive catalytic effects, while butyric acid inhibited the reaction.
Conclusions:
- Coffee cherry waste is a viable feedstock for producing platform chemicals via HTC.
- Organic acids, especially adipic acid, are effective catalysts for enhancing HTC efficiency and product yields.
- This research supports sustainable biomass utilization, waste reduction, and the development of a circular economy.
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