Waste Valorization Research Articles

Exploring the integrated potential of pyrolysis and low-temperature wet torrefaction for typical medical waste valorization: A multifaceted approach leveraging online TG-FTIR-MS, 2D-COS, iso-conversional kinetics, and reaction mechanisms

The rapid growth of medical waste, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and advancements in healthcare, has drawn increased public scrutiny regarding its proper disposal and treatment. This research aimed to characterize the wet torrefaction of a typical medical waste biomass (MWB) composition, comprising bamboo swabs, skewers, splints, cotton balls, tongue depressors, toothpicks, and chopsticks, followed by its co-pyrolysis with medical waste plastic (MWP) including catheter bags, drapes, IV tubing, IV bags, oxygen masks, syringes, and test tubes. The study employed thermogravimetric analysis, TG-FTIR, 2D correlation spectroscopy, iso-conversional kinetics, and mass spectrometry techniques elucidated the driving factors, behaviors, products, mechanisms, and pathways involved. The pyrolysis temperature ranges were 180.15 to 400 °C for TMWB and 380.04 to 550 °C for MWP, with average activation energies of 150.22 and 221.59 kJ/mol for their respective devolatilization processes. Incorporating 20 % and 40 % MWP into the co-pyrolysis process yielded the best performance, characterized by the lowest activation energy. The co-pyrolysis process promoted the release of cyclic hydrocarbons and chain hydrocarbons, but decreased the yields of alcohols, esters, ethers, phenols, and acids, through synergistic mechanisms. Unraveling the pyrolysis pathways and dynamics of these representative medical waste streams offers valuable insights into improving energy recovery, mitigating pollution, diminishing waste volumes, and optimizing industrial thermochemical conversion processes for safely treating these hazardous materials.

Synthesis of nanoporous carbon from Ulva lactuca activated by eggshell for CO2 capture: a novel approach to waste valorization.

Facing the daunting challenge of climate change, driven by escalating greenhouse gas concentrations, our research introduces an innovative solution for CO2 capture. We explore a novel nanoporous carbon derived from Ulva lactuca, activated with eggshell waste, spotlighting waste valorization in mitigating atmospheric CO2. Through a systematic methodology encompassing variable carbonization temperatures (700-900°C) and nitrogen flow rates (2-4ml/min), complemented by a suite of characterization techniques, we unveil the synthesis of this pioneering adsorbent. Our study not only presents a novel, sustainable pathway for CO2 capture but also demonstrates superior performance, particularly with the NC800-4 sample, achieving a CO2 capture capacity of 1.40mmol/g at 30°C, alongside demonstrating consistent adsorption efficiency over four successive adsorption/desorption cycles. This breakthrough underscores the potential of leveraging waste for environmental remediation, offering a dual solution to waste management and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) applications.

Kinetics Analysis of Crystal Violet Adsorption from Aqueous Solution onto Flamboyant Pod Biochar

The increasing presence of presistent synthetic dyes, like crystal violet (CV), in wastewater poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health due to its genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Biochar derived from agricultural waste offers a promising, cost-effective, and eco-friendly approach for dye removal. This study explores the potential of flamboyant pod biochar (FPB) as a novel and sustainable adsorbent for CV removal. FPB offers a unique advantage as it utilizes readily available flamboyant pod waste, promoting waste valorization and a cost-effective approach. FPB was synthesized through a simple process involving milling, sun-drying, and pyrolyzing flamboyant pod waste at 300 °C. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of contact time and initial dye concentration on removal efficiency. Kinetic modeling using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models explored the underlying mechanisms governing the adsorption process. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model exhibited a superior fit (R² > 0.87) compared to the pseudo-first-order model, suggesting a chemisorption mechanism governing the adsorption process. These findings demonstrate the potential of FPB as a low-cost, sustainable adsorbent for CV removal from wastewater.

A simulation-based techno-economic-safety-social-environmental decision-making framework for prioritizing plastic waste treatment processes

Chemical recycling technologies hold promising potential in converting mixed plastic waste into energy and chemicals. This study proposed a simulation-based quantitative life cycle sustainability assessment framework for the potential plastic waste valorization processes. Sustainability metrics including environment, economy, safety, society, and energy were quantified and comprehensively investigated. Based on the Bayesian best-worst weighting and vector-based ranking methods, the normalized and weighted life cycle sustainability scores were used to prioritize the best process. Gasification-based technology was found superior than incineration-based technology, especially in the economic, techno-energetic, and social aspects. However, incinerated-based process with direct CO2 emissions performed better in the environmental aspects compared with the process integrating with carbon capture and utilization unit. Additional environmental burdens were brought to the system when incorporating the carbon capture and methanol synthesis process. Increased system complexity might bring unexpected environmental burdens, and sometimes even outweighed the benefits. Various weights were assigned to the multi-criteria decision-making model, and the gasification-based process consistently ranked first across all scenarios.

Sardine Processing Waste: Biological Treatment Strategies and Their Implications

This study explores sustainable methods for Sardine Processing Waste (SPW) valorization. Two approaches were investigated: (a) SPW microbial pretreatment adding Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Bacillus sp. in a two-stage anaerobic digestion (AD) for enzyme and biomethane production and (b) a single-stage AD without SPW pretreatment. Both S. cerevisiae and Bacillus sp. secreted proteases (0.66 and 0.58 U mL−1, respectively) and lipases (3.8 and 4.3 U mL−1, respectively) during hydrolysis, thus reducing viscosity (2.8 and 2.9 cP, respectively) compared with the untreated SPW (4.1 cP). Biomethane production was higher in the single-stage AD (1174 mL CH4 g−1 VS−1) when compared with the two-stage AD (821.5 and 260 mL CH4 g−1 VS−1 with S. cerevisiae and Bacillus sp., respectively). S. cerevisiae addition enhanced SPW degradation as implied by VS and sCOD values (70 and 84%, respectively), but this also resulted in a higher toxicity due to a three-fold increment in NH4-N content, reducing methanogen activity. This research demonstrates the innovative application of S. cerevisiae, a common bread-making yeast, in the biotechnological enhancement of SPW hydrolysis. Non-genetically engineered S. cerevisiae not only co-produced proteases and lipases but also significantly improved solubilization, degradation, and viscosity reduction, thereby rendering the yeast a key player in solid fish waste valorization, beyond its traditional applications.

Fast, sensitive, and sustainable colorimetric detection of chlorogenic acid in artichoke waste material

Caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs) are nutraceutical polyphenols highly represented in natural sources, including artichoke waste (AW). In this study a colorimetric method for rapid and sustainable detection of a 5-CQA isomer (Chlorogenic acid) in AW extract was developed by using alkaline Tris buffer (10 mmol L−1, pH 9) to generate a yellow color associated with 5- to 3-CQA isomerization reaction, as suggested by NMR and MS analyses. The strong absorbance at 360 nm was followed by standard UV–Vis methodology. The colorimetric assay was exploited for detection of 5-CQA into leaf extract from artichoke, obtaining a value of 15.2 ± 0.3 μg/mg of dry extract, in agreement with HPLC analysis (14.3 ± 0.7 μg/mg, 106 ± 2 % recovery) used as validation technique, with excellent linear correlation and precision (R2 = 0.9996, avRSD% = 3.2 %). The method is fast and selective, offering a valuable tool for nutraceuticals identification and food waste valorization.

Targeted valorization of waste polycarbonate into bisphenol A dimethyl ether

The chemical recycling of waste polycarbonate (PC) plastic to produce high value-added chemicals represents a sustainable and economical approach to its management. Facile methods that utilize the unique structure of the bisphenol A (BPA) unit are expected to be more low-carbon and cost-effective. However, there are few established routes for converting BPA into valuable derivatives while preserving its structure. In this work, we developed a new pathway for the targeted valorization of PC waste into a multifunctional value-added chemical, bisphenol A dimethyl ether (BPAME). Using ionic liquids as catalysts, low-toxicity and environmentally friendly dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a methyl source, and N-methylpyrrolidone as a co-solvent, we successfully achieved 100 % depolymerization of PC and an impressive 99 % yield of BPAME under mild conditions (150 °C, 6 h). Kinetic studies indicated that the methylation of BPA is the rate-determining step. Moreover, this innovative pathway not only transformed commercial PC waste into BPAME with exceptional selectivity (99 %) and high yield (≥92 %), but also facilitated the efficient methylation of aromatic phenols and amines. This valorization strategy for PC waste disposal offers a promising option for industrial applications.

Convert food waste into easily biodegradable liquid substrate: New insights into wet oxidation as a pretreatment for anaerobic digestion

This study is the first comprehensive investigation into the industrial application of wet oxidation (WO) for food waste (FW) valorization. We analyzed the physicochemical properties of WO products and performed a material flow analysis. WO achieved a 25.7 % reduction in chemical oxygen demand and produced liquid and solid products suitable for high-value applications. The liquid product featured high biodegradability (B/C ratio of 0.65), significant BOD5 (33 ± 9 g/L), low total solids (3.5 % ± 0.4 %), and low metal concentrations, making it ideal for high-efficiency anaerobic digestion or as a carbon source in wastewater treatment. The solid product, with a total solids content of 63.9 % ± 1.4 %, is a potential organic fertilizer alternative. Life cycle assessment showed that WO-related scenarios offered superior greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction compared to conventional anaerobic digestion (11.30 kg CO2-eq/t FW slurry). The most effective scenario, combining WO with a carbon source and organic fertilizer alternative, achieved a GHG reduction of −21.80 kg CO2-eq/t FW slurry. Consequently, this study demonstrates that WO, as a pretreatment for food waste valorization, is both technically feasible and environmentally sound, offering valuable engineering references for the implementation of high-efficiency anaerobic digestion processes for food waste.

From pollutants to products: Microbial cell factories driving sustainable biomanufacturing and environmental conservation

Microbial cell factories are emerging as powerful tools in addressing pressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable biomanufacturing. This paper highlights the key role of engineered microorganisms in mitigating pollution, converting waste and pollutants into valuable products, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Through advancements in metabolic engineering, gene editing technologies, and synthetic biology, microbial cell factories are being optimized to enhance their efficiency in breaking down pollutants and producing renewable chemicals, such as biofuels, bioplastics, and specialty chemicals. These processes contribute to environmental conservation, waste valorization, and the establishment of a circular economy.The study focuses on overcoming key barriers in microbial biotechnology, such as limited scalability, process inefficiency, and economic viability, by employing strategies like metabolic pathway optimization, enzyme overexpression, and tolerance enhancement. These strategies are applied to various microbial species, demonstrating how their metabolic capabilities can be fine-tuned for industrial applications. Detailed case studies illustrate successful implementations, such as the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass, CO2, and industrial waste into high-value products, underscoring the practical impact of microbial cell factories in diverse sectors, including energy, materials, and chemicals.Furthermore, this research addresses the challenges faced by microbial cell factories in industrial-scale operations, such as maintaining genetic stability and optimizing growth conditions, and offers insight into emerging technological solutions to these obstacles. By providing a comprehensive overview of recent developments and identifying future research directions, this paper offers actionable recommendations for unlocking the full potential of microbial biotechnology. These efforts aim to further integrate microbial processes into industrial systems, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient global economy, with the ultimate goal of fostering a circular bioeconomy.

Impact of CO2 on the Pyrolysis of Mixed Polymer Wastes into Combustible Fuel: A Case Study for Footwear Waste

Plastic waste is a promising resource for producing liquid fuels that can be integrated into existing hydrocarbon infrastructures. However, the heterogeneous nature of plastic-derived liquid fuels limits direct application in internal combustion engines, necessitating their refinement into a usable form. To address these issues, this study explored the enhancement of combustible gaseous fuels derived from plastic waste, footwear waste, as a viable alternative. This approach involves the introduction of carbon dioxide as a reactive feedstock during the pyrolysis process. Analytical techniques were employed to precisely determine the types and compositions of four polymers present in footwear waste. The compositional matrices of the primary pyrogenic products were also identified. However, incorporating carbon dioxide into pyrolysis leads to its interaction with volatile compounds, converting them into lighter gaseous products, particularly carbon monoxide. The homogeneous reactivity of carbon dioxide was further enhanced by the application of heat and a nickel-based catalyst. The gaseous product yield from catalytic pyrolysis in the presence of carbon dioxide increased proportionally with the test temperature. Specifically, the use of carbon dioxide led to a 1.92-fold increase in gaseous product yield at 700 ˚C, in reference to the results from nitrogen. This study demonstrates a technical advancement in pyrolytic valorisation of footwear waste by incorporating carbon dioxide and provides a detailed investigation into its mechanical role in maximising the production of combustible gaseous fuels.

Novel synthesis and application of zeolite-Y from waste clay for efficient CO2 capture and water purification

In the present study, the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) has been used to synthesise zeolite-Y from three different waste clays (WC) from Teesside, Northeast of England, UK. The effects of microwave time intervals and WC type were investigated to produce crystalline zeolite-Y. All WCs and synthesised zeolites were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area measurement (BET). The characterisation results showed that the zeolite-Y samples synthesised at 6 min intervals exhibited larger total pore volumes, higher surface areas, and higher crystallinity compared to the samples synthesised at 4 min intervals. Especially, the synthesised zeolite-Y from Clay 1 displayed high CO2 adsorption capacity, achieving 5.23 mmol/g at 298 K and 1 bar, with a maximum methylene blue removal of 94.3 %. This sample showed a surface area of 485 m²/g and a pore volume of 0.24 cm³/g, alongside an Si/Al ratio of 3.7, highlighting its excellent thermal stability at elevated temperatures. The high CO2 adsorption capacity combined with the high methylene blue removal efficacy makes the synthesised zeolite-Y from WC an excellent candidate for efficient CO2 capture and removal of methylene blue from contaminated water. Additionally, this study illustrates the potential for waste valorisation through the conversion of low-value WC into high-performance, value-added materials. This transformation not only mitigates waste disposal issues but also contributes to sustainable resource management and environmental protection by offering a practical solution for treating industrial effluents and gas emissions.

A novel synthesis of solid Na-silicate based on Si-rich diatomite waste

Sodium silicate is widely used in industry, and its production typically depends on traditional raw materials and high energy consumption. The present study investigated the synthesis of an alternative Na-silicate based on diatomaceous earth waste. The Si-rich waste exhibited a high surface area and porosity. Diatomite waste and NaOH were used as reagents, and the synthesis route was carried out by wet method and thermal treatment at 400 °C. The synthesis product presented more than 90 % Na2SiO3, and Si-O-(Na) type bonds were observed. These findings may be useful in the development of sustainable and high-value-added materials obtained by the waste valorization.

Valorization of Cellulosic Waste from Artichoke for Incorporation into Biodegradable Polylactic Acid Matrices.

This study presents the development of ecological compounds using polylactic acid (PLA) and artichoke flour with the aim of obtaining materials with properties like commercial PLA. PLA biocomposites with different concentrations of green artichoke (HV) and boiled artichoke (HH) (1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 20% by weight) were manufactured through an extrusion and injection process. Structural, mechanical, physical and color tests were carried out to analyze the effect of lignocellulosic particles on the biopolymeric matrix. The Shore D hardness, elongation at break and heat deflection temperature (HDT) of the PLA/HV and PLA/HH samples showed similar values to pure PLA, indicating that high concentrations of both fillers did not severely compromise these properties. However, reductions in the tensile strength, impact strength and Young's modulus were observed, and both flours had increased water absorption capacity. FTIR analysis identified the characteristic peaks of the biocomposites and the ratio of the groups regarding the amount of added filler. The SEM revealed low interfacial adhesion between the polymer matrix and the filler. This study represents a significant advance in the valorization and application of circular economy principles to agricultural waste, such as artichoke waste. PLA/HV biocomposites make a substantial contribution to sustainable materials technology, aligning with the goals of the 2030 agenda to reduce environmental impacts and promote sustainable development.

Deciphering cleaner and sustainable frontiers in scientific cow waste valorization: a review.

The forecasted global population growthis poised to create a greater exigency for livestock-derived food production,leading to a significant wastegeneration from the industrial-scalelivestockoperations, which necessitates to develop sustainable waste management solutions. The heightened demand for livestock and dairy products has driven a surge in cow waste (CW) production. While CW is typically used as organic fertilizer or solid fuel, improper disposal poses potential environmental hazards. Anaerobic digestion and composting transform CW into valuable products, such as biofuels and organic fertilizers, with the potential for electricity and heat generation, biochar production, and advanced friction materials. The CW contains essential inorganic and organic compounds vital for plant functions, including lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, nitrogen, and minerals such as potassium, sulfur, iron, magnesium, copper, cobalt, and manganese. Additionally, the rich microbial diversity in cow dung drives the production of bioenergy carriers like biomethane and biohydrogen, promoting cost-effective energy generation and environmental sustainability. This review employs bibliometric analysis to explore the latest trends in CW applications, with a particular focus on innovative applications such as cellulose extraction, biochar production, microbial fuel cells, and nanoparticle synthesis. Itfurther evaluates the environmental impacts of these technologies and assesses their potential to advance sustainable and cleaner frontiers in the valorizationof CW.

Lentil Waste Extracts for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Symptoms Control: Anti-Inflammatory and Spasmolytic Effects

Background/Objectives: In the contest of agro-industrial waste valorization, we focused our attention on lentil seed coats as a source of health-promoting phytochemicals possibly useful in managing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), usually characterized by inflammation and altered intestinal motility. Methods: Both traditional (maceration) and innovative microwave-assisted extractions were performed using green solvents, and the anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic activities of the so-obtained extracts were determined through in vitro and ex vivo assays, respectively. Results: The extract obtained through the microwave-assisted procedure using ethyl acetate as the extraction solvent (BEVa) proved to be the most useful in inflammation and intestinal motility management. In LPS-activated Caco-2 cells, BEVa down-regulated TLR4 expression, reduced iNOS expression and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1 production, and upregulated the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 production, thus positively affecting cell inflammatory responses. Moreover, a significant decrease in the longitudinal and circular tones of the guinea pig ileum, with a reduction of transit speed and pain at the ileum level, together with reduced transit speed, pain, and muscular tone at the colon level, was observed with BEVa. HPLC separation combined with an Orbitrap-based high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) technique indicated that 7% of all the identified metabolites were endowed with proven anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic activities, among which niacinamide, apocynin, and p-coumaric acid were the most abundant. Conclusions: Our results suggest that lentil hull extract consumption could contribute to overall intestinal health maintenance, with BEVa possibly representing a dietary supplementation and a promising approach to treating intestinal barrier dysfunction.

Tailoring Li-ion transport in hybrid biopolymer electrolyte from Maydis stigma for supercapattery applications

Corn Silk Biopolymer (CSBP), a potent biomaterial shed light on offering a sustainable solution to agrowaste and achieve waste valorization. Hybrid Biopolymer Electrolyte (HBPE) was synthesized using corn silk extract by simple solution casting strategy. Freshly synthesized [30wt % CSBP+70 wt % PVDF-Co-HFP] system exemplifies conductivity of 2.35 × 10−8 Scm−1 and while loading 3.2 v/v % LiClO4 salt, the conductivity increased to 4.05 × 10−4 Scm−1 at 25 °C. Structural studies indicate complex formation between the Li+ and polar groups within polymer-salt system. From FTIR studies, prominent peaks noticed at 1651 and 1628 cm−1 are due to the interaction of –C=O group with Li+ and 625 cm−1 for unbound ClO4−.Our best conducting system reveal Li+ ions (tion = 0.98) are the major charge carriers. Electrochemical behaviour from CV demonstrates a good reversibility with a specific capacity (Qs = 25.6 Cg-1) and specific capacitance (Csp = 10.67 Fg-1) at a scan rate of 1 mV s−1. Also, the relation between the peak current with different scan rates for CPL 2 system is estimated from the slope as b = 0.7 suggesting the extraordinary behavior of a hybrid battery and super capacitor offering a unique platform for the sustainable energy storage technology.

Valorization of Vaccinium corymbosum waste from the extraction of bioactive compounds: Nanoparticles synthesis and applications

This study presents the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), and iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) using V. corymbosum extracts as a reducing agent, varying the ultrasound extraction times (t1 = 20 min, t2 = 15 min, t3 = 10 min). Ag NPs exhibited an antimicrobial efficiency of 98.2 %, being most effective with t2 due to their smaller size. ZnO NPs demonstrated the best thermal stability with t1, and FeO NPs showed optimal magnetic properties with t3. The reduction of methylene blue by ZnO and FeO NPs was significant, with ZnO-t1 and FeO-t3 standing out. The nanoparticles exhibited distinctive optical characteristics and adequate morphology, depending on the extraction time. This work highlights the feasibility of using natural extracts to synthesize nanoparticles, promoting sustainable methods in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Future research should focus on the functionalization of NPs to expand their applications.

Anaerobic Digestion for Textile Waste Treatment and Valorization

AbstractTextile waste is becoming among the most polluting waste in the world, discarded mostly in landfills. Valorizing textile waste via anaerobic digestion (AD) helps conserve resources, reduce environmental impact, and foster a circular economy. Although several reviews have discussed textile waste AD, there is a lack of detailed understanding of the challenges encountered during textile waste AD. Therefore, the goal of this review is to focus on challenges encountered and possible solutions for those challenges for biogas and fertilizer conversion via AD. Potential strategies include chemical, biological, and thermal pretreatments that significantly increase the digestion process. Co‐digestion of natural textile waste, cotton, and wool with carbon and nitrogen‐rich substrates improves AD efficiency by twofold. Moreover, separating polyester from polycotton and textile dye removal via solvent and advanced oxidation processes significantly increases methane yield compared with untreated textile waste. This review can aid in analyzing suitable methods to optimize the biogas production of textile waste via AD.

Recyclability of wastepaper containing cellulose nanofibers

Cellulosic/lignocellulosic nanofibers (CNF/LCNF) are value-added products which recently have been considered widely. This study focused on valorization of waste by making CNF from white cutting wastepaper (WCW), which was confirmed by the transmission electron microscope images. The CNF present in the paper recycling process showed significant effects on the final product and process aspects. Addition of 5% CNF (based on dry weight of pulp) to the recycled fibers improved the strength properties as well as the fines retention. But in contrast, the drainage decreased from 303 to 188 mL CSF. Finally, considering the importance of wastepaper history on the quality of recycling process and final products, as a new vision, this study focused on recyclability of wastepaper which has experienced CNF as an additive in their history of papermaking. In this respect, the papers reinforced with nanofibers in their history, after several recycling, experienced less reduction in the tensile and tear indices and fines retention. In summary, it seems that the presence of CNF in the wastepaper can slow down the reduction of product density and process properties during several recycling cycles and so restore their potential for subsequent papermaking cycles.

Comparative Analysis of Optimal Reaction Conditions for Hydrothermal Carbonization and Liquid Hot-Water Processes in the Valorization of Peapods and Coffee Cherry Waste into Platform Chemicals

The management of coffee and peapod waste presents significant environmental challenges, with millions of tons generated annually, leading to disposal issues and resource inefficiencies. Hydrothermal processes offer a promising valorization method, though biomass characteristics significantly influence the resulting products. Biomass characterization revealed distinct profiles for coffee cherry waste (moisture: 10.94%, ashes: 7.79%, volatile matter: 79.91%, fixed carbon: 1.36%, cellulose: 27.6%, hemicellulose: 12.5%, and lignin: 13.7%) and peapods (moisture: 7.77%, ashes: 4.22%, volatile matter: 74.18%, fixed carbon: 13.0%, cellulose: 20.2%, hemicellulose: 17.4%, and lignin: 5.0%). Experiments were conducted in 100 mL and 500 mL hydrothermal reactors with varying conditions for temperature (120–260 °C), time (1–4 h), stirring (none and at 5000 and 8000 rpm), biomass/water ratio (1:5, 1:10, 1:20, and 1:40), particle size (0.5–5 mm), and catalysts (acids and bases). The results showed that peapods produced over 30 times more platform chemicals than coffee. High temperatures (over 180 °C) degraded peapods, whereas coffee yields increased. Both biomasses were influenced similarly by reaction conditions: lower biomass/water ratios, smaller particle sizes, acid catalysts, and no stirring increased yields. Peapods consistently had higher yields than coffee in all conditions. Biochar analysis revealed anthracite from coffee and coal from peapods.