A proof of concept for the electro-refinery: Selective electroproduction of acetic acid from t-CNSL waste by using DSA electrode

technical liquid of the cashew nutshell waste (t-CNSL) to carboxylic acids (as high added value products) was investigated. The effect of supporting electrolyte and t-CNSL concentrations was studied to determine the best formulation for being electrolyzed with the target of valorization of products. Afterwards, under the optimal formulation conditions, the effect of the applied current density (j) was also evaluated to determine the best operation conditions for producing carboxylic acids. It was observed a selective production of acetic acid as high as 11.7%, which opens the possibility of further studies about the application of the electro-refinery concept for other wastes.

Automated summary

This study investigated the conversion of cashew nutshell waste into high value carboxylic acids through technical liquid. The effect of supporting electrolyte and t-CNSL concentrations was studied to determine the optimal formulation and operation conditions, resulting in a high yield of acetic acid.