Controlled synthesis of distiller's grains biochar for turbidity removal in Baijiu

Resource utilization of distiller's grains (DGs) is crucial for realizing sustainable development of Baijiu industry. In the prevent investigation, a low-cost activated biochar (DGABC) suitable for removing turbidity from low-alcohol Baijiu was prepared by the controlled pyrolysis of DGs, followed by steam activation. The as-prepared biochar featured a large specific surface area (320–480 m2/g) and pore volume (0.45–0.47 cm3/g). Importantly, the DGABC possessed remarkable exterior hydrophily and interior lipophilicity, which guaranteed its good dispersion in alcohol-water system as well as an efficient adsorption to the components with long lipophilic chain. As a result, the DGABC could efficiently remove the turbidity in low-alcohol Baijiu, which was mainly derived from the long lipophilic chain components, such as ethyl palmitate. Meanwhile, most of the flavor esters that had a shorter lipophilic chain and lower hydrophobicity were well kept in the low-alcohol Baijiu. Therefore, this work provided a promising strategy for DGs recycling in Baijiu industry. [Display omitted] •A low-cost activated biochar (DGABC) was prepared by distiller's grains (DGs)•DGABC efficiently removed the turbidity in Baijiu•DGABC featured mesoporous structure•A promising strategy for resource utilization of DGs in Baijiu industry