Innovative Research from Amrita Scientist Turns Coconut Rachis Waste into Valuable Carbon Material

In a groundbreaking step toward sustainability and waste valorization, a research team from the ‘Green Energy Lab’ of Amrita School of Physical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri campus, has developed a revolutionary method to convert coconut rachis — an agricultural waste product from the coconut palm, one of Kerala’s most widely cultivated crops — into high-performance carbon material.

The project, led by Devu. B under the guidance of Dr. Sreekala C.O., and co-supervised by Prof. Rajan Jose of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, has unlocked new possibilities for both environmental protection and economic development.

What sets this research apart is its multifaceted scientific achievement. Not only did the team develop activated carbon with a remarkably high specific surface area of 1630 m²/g and a unique honeycomb-like morphology with higher carbon content (>80%) ideal for adsorption-based applications, but they also succeeded in experimentally synthesizing a crystalline phase of carbon that had previously only been theoretically predicted. This crystalline phase opens new avenues for use in optoelectronic devices, representing a significant advancement in carbon material research. In laboratory tests, the synthesized activated carbon achieved an impressive specific capacitance of 320 F/g, a figure that is notably high compared to other coconut palm parts. This makes it an outstanding candidate for supercapacitor energy storage systems, a key technology for clean energy solutions. The material’s potential doesn’t stop at energy storage. In tests for wastewater treatment, the activated carbon successfully removed up to 96% of toxic heavy metals, including dangerous contaminants like lead and cadmium. Remarkably, even domestic wastewater sourced from a local pond showed higher-than-expected removal rates, indicating the material’s strong practical applications in addressing industrial and household pollution.

The technology developed by the Amrita research team is not just a scientific breakthrough but also an internationally recognized innovation. The method has been patented in both India and the United States, a rare accomplishment that underscores the global relevance and novelty of the work. Moreover, the research has been published in several high-impact international journals, further solidifying its contribution to the field of sustainable material science.

‘This innovation is more than just a scientific achievement’, said Dr. Sreekala C.O.. “It demonstrates how agricultural waste can be converted into valuable materials, creating new income opportunities for local communities while also addressing critical environmental issues.”

Coconut rachis, a by-product of coconut farming, is often discarded as waste. By converting it into functional carbon, this research promotes waste-to-wealth innovation. The resulting carbon material is not only a sustainable alternative to conventional materials but also a significant contribution to Kerala’s vision of a carbon-neutral future.

By addressing the dual issues of agricultural waste management and environmental pollution, the team has created a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution with the potential to support India’s sustainability goals.

This pioneering work combines traditional agricultural knowledge with cutting-edge material science, laying the groundwork for future exploration into the value of agricultural by-products. With such promising results, the team hopes their findings will encourage further advancements in sustainable materials and energy solutions, leading the way for a greener, more sustainable future.