Valorisation of orange peel residues: waste to biochemicals and nanoporous materials

Abstract

FRUIT FOR THOUGHT: Low-temperature microwave hydrothermal processing of orange peel not only enables the separation of the major components but also adds further value through the production of other high-value products: pectin and D-limonene, together with a rare form of mesoporous cellulose, are produced in a single step, without added acid. A process temperature change enables the conversion of D-limonene to α-terpineol.