Convert soybean hulls into valuable carbon-based adsorbents and then formulate them into scalable configurations such
monoliths using 3D printing technique.

Convert soybean hulls into AC through thermal and chemical treatment methods and optimize the activation conditions.

Determine the relationships between synthesis conditions and AC properties to enhance surface area and porosity of the produced AC.

Formulate the soybean hulls-based AC into monolith via 3D printing and also granules.

Demonstrate the separation performance of the soybean hull-based carbons in air purification (oxygen enrichment) and wastewater treatment processes.

The main activities of Year 1 involve development and characterization of AC materials

Update:
The overall goal of this proposal is to convert soybean hulls into valuable carbon-based adsorbents and then formulate
them into practical configurations such as monoliths using 3D printing technique.

Activated carbons are essential materials with versatile use in a wide range of applications. The carbon produced from
soybean hulls can be used in various fields including:
• Wastewater treatment – removing chemicals from water
• Gas separation – oxygen production from air for medical devices
• Pharmaceutical industry – separation of drug compounds
• Energy storage – development of electrodes in supercapacitors

The carbon produced from soy hulls in its raw form is not practical for the industry. Thus, researchers turn it into powder and shape the powder using 3D printing to make it into a more practical, scalable application for industry. Soybean hulls are also an economically attractive alternative for use in these applications.

Given the versatility of activated carbon in a wide variety of applications, the soybean farmers can significantly benefit
from this profitable by-product.

Methods to improve soybean hull utilization will add value to this underutilized commodity. One of the best strategies for utilization of soybean hulls is to convert it to a material that has great potential for use in various industrial sectors. Activated carbon with unique properties that are well suited for a wide variety of separation and purification processes, couldbring a great market to this agricultural residue. The novel approach proposed in this project to convert Missouri soybean hulls into a profitable product with huge marketplace will have a significant economic impact on the Missouri soybean producers.