South Korean researchers convert wet coffee grounds into coal-like fuel in 90 seconds using plasma pyrolysis

Researchers at the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources have developed a method to turn wet coffee grounds into a coal-like biochar in just 90 seconds. The process uses flame plasma pyrolysis at temperatures between 1,470 and 1,650 degrees Fahrenheit, which turns the water inside the grounds into steam and causes the particles to burst. This eliminates the need for energy-intensive drying and produces a carbon-rich fuel with energy density comparable to anthracite coal. The technology could help manage the 20 billion pounds of coffee waste generated globally each year, much of which ends up in landfills where it releases methane. The resulting biochar may also have applications in water treatment and air filtration due to its porous structure. The compact equipment design allows for on-site processing near waste sources, potentially reducing transportation costs and making biomass waste valorization more economically viable.