Dual-application of novel magnetic carbon nanocomposites as catalytic liquefaction for bio-oil synthesis and multi-heavy metal adsorption

The objective of this study is the applications of hybrid magnetic nanocomposites as catalyst as well as an adsorbent. Four magnetic nanocomposites (graphene and chitosan based) were fabricated using single pot solvothermal carbonization co-precipitation (STCC) route by integrating biomass functionalized with iron oxide nanoparticles. All hybrid nanocomposites were characterized for their magnetic, thermal, chemical and structural properties. Adsorption isotherms and kinetics studies were performed for adsorption of multi-heavy metals including Cd, Ni, Cu and Cr. Finally, the hybrid magnetic carbon nanocomposites were tested as catalysts to produce bio-oil through catalytic liquefaction of rice husk in supercritical ethanol. It was found that the bio-oil yield and overall conversion was enhanced significantly from 29.5% and 48.11% without catalyst, to 36.8% and 60.81% respectively with the presence of magnetic carbon nanocomposites as catalyst. Furthermore, the bio-oil energy quality was enhanced in energy content from 21.72 to 23.21 MJ/kg with the presence of catalyst and H/C and O/C ratios were reduced. Finally, GCMS revealed that the bio-oil produced using catalysts showed higher mass fraction of esters, hydrocarbons and reduced acid groups as compared to bio-oil. This study provides insights to the understanding of the role of hybrid magnetic nanocomposites for its expansion for future applications.