Fenton-mediated production of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from banana waste

Abstract

A potentially economical and ecofriendly way of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) production was developed on the basis of a waste of banana peel and Fenton reaction. An optimal process condition was obtained by examining the effects of three key parameters including amount of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), amount of ferrous (Fe2+) ion, and reaction time on HMF yield. This study may offer an alternative route for HMF production, indeed a sustainable one in that it makes the best use of a problematic biowaste and also takes advantage of the simple nature of the Fenton process.