Biomass as a waste product in the form coffee extract residue (CER) has been shown to have potential for
the dual purpose of ethanol production and preparation of activated carbons. A straightforward method
of direct hydrolysis and fermentation (DHF) is considered as the main option utilized in this study for the
generation of fuel ethanol from the biomass waste. Factors such as loadings of saccharomyces cerevisiae,
temperatures (21 and 30 C) and substrate content were investigated to maximize the yield of ethanol.
Ethanol production rates between 1.1 g and 0.70 g h1 kg1 without pretreatment and 2.7 and
2.3 g h1 kg1 dry substance with mild treatment were obtained, respectively. The CER was also used to
prepare activated carbons using both chemical and physical activation methods. The effects of process
parameters such as temperatures and concentrations of acid were varied and determined as to the yield,
BET-surface areas and porosities of the final product. H3PO4 treatment at 600 C and steam treatment at
700 C show maximum surface area of >640 m2 g1 with increased total pore and micropore volumes.
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