Fenton-mediated production of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from banana waste

• Banana peel was used as a feedstock to prepare hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF).
• The effects of Fenton reaction variables including reaction time, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ferrous ion (Fe2+) concentration on HMF yield were tested.
• HMF yield of 42% based on the amount of initial banana peel was achieved at reaction time of 60 min, 1.8 M H2O2 and 0.5 mM Fe2+.

A potentially economical and ecofriendly way of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) production was developed on the basis of a waste of banana peel and Fenton reaction. An optimal process condition was obtained by examining the effects of three key parameters including amount of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), amount of ferrous (Fe2+) ion, and reaction time on HMF yield. This study may offer an alternative route for HMF production, indeed a sustainable one in that it makes the best use of a problematic bio-waste and also takes advantage of the simple nature of the Fenton process.

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