Modificação da fibra do coco por carbonização hidrotérmica: adsorvente de alto desempenho na remoção de azul de metileno em solução aquosa

Abstract

Coconut fiber, traditionally considered a low-value agricultural waste, has gained interest for its potential reuse in environmentally sustainable applications. This study aims to investigate the conversion of coconut fiber through the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process, evaluating its feasibility as an adsorbent material for contaminants such as dyes and heavy metals. The choice of topic is justified by the increasing generation of waste from coconut farming, especially in producing states like Ceará, which accounts for 27% of Brazil’s national coconut production. The adopted methodology involved subjecting the fiber to HTC in a sealed reactor at 180 °C for 6 hours, resulting in a carbonized by-product with adsorptive properties. The study seeks not only to add value to an underutilized waste material but also to propose a technologically and environmentally viable alternative to the improper disposal of coconut waste. The resulting material will be analyzed using physicochemical characterization techniques and adsorption tests with model dyes. Expected results include obtaining a material with a porous structure and suitable surface functionalization for pollutant removal in aqueous media. It is concluded that applying HTC to coconut fiber represents a promising strategy to transform environmental liability into a valuable input, contributing to the development of clean technologies, the circular economy, and the use of renewable and abundant resources. This study highlights the importance of interdisciplinarity between fields such as chemistry, environmental engineering, and agribusiness in seeking sustainable and innovative solutions to contemporary environmental challenges.