Hydrothermal carbonisation: An eco-friendly method for the production of carbon adsorbents

Abstract

The hydrothermal carbonisation process has attracted great interest in recent years, as it is an eco-friendly method for obtaining carbonaceous materials. This method consists of heating an organic material in the presence of water in a closed vessel at temperatures above 100 °C. The pressure generated by the water vapour next to a heat supply gives rise to the reactions necessary to form hydrothermal carbon (HTC). This chapter describes the manufacture of these materials and their application as adsorbents of contaminants in the aqueous phase. The manufacturing method differs from the classic pyrolysis method because of its lower power consumption, higher yield, and drastic reduction of pollutant emissions. HTCs are chars with high oxygen content, a large number of functional groups, and low porous development. They have been used to remove numerous contaminants of all types, but they are especially suitable for the removal of heavy metals.