Synthesis of hydrochar from jackfruit

Abstract

A method of producing hydrochar from jackfruit peel biomass includes hydrothermal carbonization of jackfruit peel biomass by autoclaving at 150° C.-250 ° C. for about 3 hours to produce a hydrochar. The hydrochar can be activated by treatment with phosphoric acid (H 3 PO 4 ), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), or a combination thereof. The hydrochar produced according to the method is particularly effective at removing azo-dyes, and specifically methylene blue, from aqueous solutions such as industrial waste water.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A method of removing methylene blue from an aqueous environment, comprising contacting the hydrochar of jackfruit peel with the aqueous environment, wherein the hydrochar of jackfruit peel is produced by steps comprising:
 adding a jackfruit peel biomass to a liquid carrier;   subjecting the jackfruit peel biomass in the liquid carrier to hydrothermal carbonization to provide a hydrochar, the hydrothermal carbonization comprising heating the jackfruit peel biomass in the liquid carrier to a temperature ranging from 150° C. to 250° C. for a period of time of 3 hours to provide the hydrochar; and   separating the hydrochar from the liquid carrier.   
     
     
         19 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the hydrochar is incubated in the aqueous environment for about 24 hours.