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 (H3PO4), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), 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 an azo dye from an aqueous environment 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:
 drying jackfruit peel and pulverizing the dried jackfruit peel to provide a jackfruit peel biomass;   adding the jackfruit peel biomass to water to form a slurry;
 heating the slurry to a temperature ranging from 150° C.-250° C. for 3 hours in an autoclave to provide a hydrochar; 
   separating an initial hydrochar from the liquid carrier;   drying the initial hydrochar; and
 adding the dried hydrochar to a solution comprising at least one of phosphoric acid (H 3 PO 4 ) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) to form an activated hydrochar. 
   
     
     
         19 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the hydrochar is incubated in the aqueous environment for about 24 hours. 
     
     
         20 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the azo dye is methylene blue.