Synthesis of magnetic nanocarbon using palm oil as the green precursor via microwave-assisted arc for wastewater treatment.

The presence of metal with microwave irradiation has always invited controversial arguments as the metal will catch on fire easily. But interestingly, researchers found that arc discharge phenomena provide a promising way for molecule cracking to synthesize nanomaterials. This study developed a single-step yet affordable synthesis approach that combines microwave heating and arcing in transforming crude palm oil into magnetic nanocarbon (MNC), which can be considered a new alternative for the palm oil sectors.

A review of the recent trend in the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials derived from oil palm by-product materials.

Grown only in humid tropical conditions, the palm tree provides high-quality oil essential for cooking and personal care or biofuel in the energy sector. After the refining process, this demand could cause numerous oil palm biomass waste management problems. However, the emergence of carbon nanomaterials or CNMs could be a great way to put this waste to a good cause.