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Textile microfibers valorization by catalytic hydrothermal carbonization toward high-tech carbonaceous materials
Silvia Parrilla-Lahoz1,2, Marielis C Zambrano3, Joel J Pawlak3
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Surrey, GU2 7XH Guildford, UK.
Iscience
|December 19, 2024
Summary
This study explores catalytic hydrothermal carbonization to transform textile microplastic fibers into valuable carbon nanomaterials, offering a sustainable solution for waste management and the circular economy.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Microplastic fibers from synthetic textiles are a major aquatic pollutant, comprising 35% of primary microplastics.
- Current disposal methods for microplastic waste are insufficient, necessitating innovative solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate catalytic hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) for upcycling textile microplastic fibers into carbon nanomaterials.
- To assess the feasibility of integrating microfiber waste into the circular economy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Fe-Ni catalyst during catalytic hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of cotton and polyester microfibers.
- Investigated the effects of reaction parameters (200°C, 22 bar) on carbon structure formation.
Main Results:
- Successfully converted microfibers into filamentous solid carbon nanostructures.
- Produced amorphous and graphitic carbon, including carbon nanotubes from a cotton/polyethylene terephthalate (PET) mixture.
- Achieved graphitic carbon formation in all samples under tested HTC conditions.
Conclusions:
- Catalytic HTC is a viable method for valorizing mixed microfiber waste into potentially valuable carbon structures.
- Optimizing reaction parameters and catalyst formulation can enhance the production of specific carbon nanomaterials.
