In this work, we have demonstrated
for the first time that a cyanogen-glucoside-rich
cassava plant (Manihot esculenta) is
highly efficient in phytoextraction (up to 88%) of nickel to obtain
a type of bio-ore comprising Ni nanoparticles (NPs) supported on the
recovered plant material. Up to 1251 ppm was extracted from low Ni
concentration soil by the cassava plant, as was measured by flame
atomic absorption spectrometry. The bio-ore was used as a resource
for preparing a heterogeneous catalyst (Ni@CassCat), in which Ni NPs
are supported on mesoporous biochar following a calcination step.
Ni@CassCat was characterized using high-resolution transmission electron
microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray, scanning electron microscopy
with energy-dispersive X-ray, powder X-ray diffraction, N2-sorption techniques, and ultraviolet–visible spectrometry.
Subsequently, Ni@CassCat was used as a heterogeneous catalyst to hydrogenate
carbon dioxide (CO2) to formate with a turnover number
of 485. Furthermore, the recyclability of Ni@CassCat was demonstrated.
This work demonstrates a two-pronged approach to sustainability, transforming
two waste streams (mine tailings and CO2) to value.