Influence of temperature on nitrogen fate during hydrothermal carbonization of food waste

The influence of temperature (180-260 degrees C) on the fate of nitrogen during hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of food waste (FW) was assessed. The distribution and evolution of nitrogen in aqueous products and bio-oil, as well as hydrochar, were conducted. Results suggested that elevated temperature enhanced the deamination and the highest ammonium concentration (929.75 mg/L) was acquired at 260 degrees C. At temperatures above 220 degrees C, the total N in the hydrochar became stable, whereas the mass percentage of N increased. Amines and heterocyclic-N compounds from protein cracking and Maillard reactions were identified as the main nitrogen-containing compounds in the bio-oil. As to the hydrochar, increasing temperature resulted in condensed nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocycles (e.g. pyridine-N and quaternary-N). In particular, remarkable Maillard reactions at 180 degrees C and the highest temperature at 260 degrees C enhanced nitrogen incorporation (i.e. quaternary-N) into hydrochar.