Relationship between Surface Polarity and Moisture Control onto Carbonaceous Materials Produced from Bean Curd Lees

Abstract

In order to promote the shift to zero emissions of organic wastes, it is necessary to create carbon cycling processes. On the other hand, one of the distinguishing features of the Japanese climate is its high humidity, and an adsorbent which is high ability of moisture control are needed to prevent putrefaction of wood and keep indoor spaces at a comfortable humidity. This research focused on producing a carbonaceous material produced from bean curd lees, which is a form of food waste, and studied the relationship between the surface polarity or specific surface area of carbonaceous material, and the ability of moisture control. The specific surface area of the carbonaceous material was measured, and the highest value was exhibited in carbonaceous material produced at a temperature of 1173K. From this result, it appears that a microstructure develops as the carbonization temperature increases, but when the carbonization temperature is increased further, the specific surface area decreases due to merging of pores. Also, the ability of moisture control of charcoal is 22, and the ability of moisture control of the carbonaceous material produced from bean curd lees is a maximum of 198. This suggests that the material can be used in applications as a moisture control material. This work clarified that the ability of moisture control of the carbonaceous material increases to the degree that there are fewer phenolic hydroxyl groups and carboxyl groups in the carbonaceous material surface.