The synthesis of
magnetic iron–carbon composites (Fe/C)
from waste avocado seeds via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has
been demonstrated for the first time. These materials are shown to
be effective in adsorption and catalytic applications, with performances
comparable to or higher than materials produced through conventional
processing routes. Avocado seeds have been processed in high-temperature
water (230 °C) at elevated pressure (30 bar at room temperature)
in the presence of iron nitrate and iron sulfate, in a process mimicking
natural coalification. Characterization of the synthesized material
has been carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic absorption
spectroscopy (AAS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy (XPS), inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry
(ICP-OES), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), magnetometry,
and through surface area measurements. The supported iron particles
are observed to be predominately magnetite, with an oxidized hematite
surface region. The presence of iron catalyzes the formation of an
extended, ordered polymeric structure in the avocado seed-derived
carbon. The magnetic Fe/C has been demonstrated as an adsorbent for
environmental wastewater treatment using methylene blue and indigo
carmine. Kinetic analysis suggests that the adsorbates are chemisorbed,
with the positive surface charge of Fe/C being preferential for indigo
carmine adsorption (49 mg g–1). Additionally, Fe/C
has been evaluated as a heterogeneous catalyst for the hydroalkoxylation
of phenylacetylene with ethylene glycol to 2-benzyl-1,3-dioxolane.
Product yields of 45% are obtained, with 100% regioselectivity to
the formed isomer. The solid catalyst has the advantages of being
prepared from a waste material and of easy removal after reaction
via magnetic separation. These developments provide opportunities
to produce carbon-based materials for a variety of high-value applications,
potentially also including energy storage and biopharmaceuticals,
from a wide range of lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks.