Valorization of Face Masks Produced during COVID-19 Pandemic through Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC): A Preliminary Study

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the increased use of disposable face masks worldwide, resulting in a surge potentially infectious waste. This waste must be safely managed and disposed prevent spread virus. To address this issue, preliminary study explored hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) as potential method for converting surgical mask into value-added carbonaceous materials. HTC treatments were conducted at 220 °C 3 h with or without addition acetic acid. hydrochar was characterized using several techniques, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), N2-physisorption analyzers. found that formed melt reduced mass (−15%) volume (up −75%) under applied conditions. carbon content higher heating value (HHV) produced hydrochars than those original (+5%). Furthermore, when acid added during experiment, new crystal phase, terephthalic acid, produced. is precursor production. suggests could achieve sanitization reduction non-renewable non-biodegradable while also producing solid fuel raw material approach offers an innovative sustainable solution manage generated by pandemic.