Valorization of household organic waste by hydrothermal carbonization: towards carbonaceous materials with high value added

Our work focuses on the hydrothermal carbonization of fermentable disposale wastes like fruits, vegetables, and cartons into hydrochar, a carbon-rich solid material. Characterization of hydrochar was performed with various analytical techniques: first, elemental analysis of hydrochar showed composition in carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, next, thermogravimetric analysis TGA was used to quantify volatile matter and fixed carbon. The energy potential was measured by its higher heating value using a bomb calorimeter. Besides functional groups of hydrochar surface were identified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy FTIR, and structural changes, surface morphology and porosity were observed by scanning electron microscopy SEM analysis. The results depicted that HTC is capable of valorizing organic waste while providing a sustainable and energy-efficient end product with large applications pertaining to various sectors.