Engineered biochar for selective removal of organic compounds from coconut water
Lab-scale engineered biochar technology that selectively removes organic compounds from coconut water to modify sensory properties. Hydrophobicity-tuned biochar adsorbents enable scalable, industrially applicable purification for coconut water processing.
Overview
This solution leverages engineered biochar—a non-toxic, carbon-based adsorbent material—as a selective removal technology for organic compounds in coconut water. By chemically and physically modifying biochar's hydrophobicity characteristics, the technology enables targeted adsorption that can adjust the sensory profile of coconut water at a lab scale. The approach is grounded in established adsorption science and is positioned for scale-up through simulation software and pilot-scale reactors, supporting potential industrial application in beverage processing.
Technical specifications
Core technology:
- Hydrophobicity-tuned biochar produced through thermal treatment, creating materials with tailored surface properties for selective adsorption
- Validated against acetaminophen as a target contaminant, with hydrophilic-characteristic biochars showing improved removal efficiency
- Tested in the presence of chlorine, nitrates, and carbonates ions, with results indicating that certain co-existing ions enhance removal performance—an advantage when using coconut water as the matrix
- Adsorption parameters to be characterized include equilibrium isotherms, maximum adsorption capacity, and adsorption/desorption kinetics
- Scale-up modeling planned using Aspen adsorption simulator to identify industrial-scale operating parameters
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at lab-scale validation. Prior work has demonstrated biochar modification for hydrophobicity control and confirmed removal efficiency for target contaminants through statistical analysis. Future validation will proceed in stages: adsorption equilibrium studies in distilled water, followed by coconut water matrix testing combined with sensory analysis, and finally pilot-scale reactor design informed by process simulation. The technology has a clear pathway toward industrial deployment in coconut water processing applications.
About Centro de Innovación Aplicada en Tecnologías Competitivas
CIATEC is a federal public research center based in León, Mexico, dedicated to applied innovation and industry services as part of the country’s public research center network. Its industry‑facing infrastructure includes ISO/IEC 17025–accredited testing and metrology laboratories, an Industry 4.0 digital manufacturing lab, biomechanics and materials evaluation facilities, and dedicated prototyping and workforce‑upskilling programs. Situated within León’s leather‑footwear hub and a dynamic regional manufacturing base, CIATEC delivers contract R&D, certification‑grade testing, and process‑improvement services aligned to supplier needs and production timelines. Research and service activities are backed by Mexico’s national science council and competitive federal funding, complemented by industry‑sponsored projects. A technology transfer function streamlines IP, licensing, and service agreements for corporate partners.
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