Comprehension of the adsorption mechanism in the selective color removal of extra-aged Tequila to produce Cristalino Tequila using tailored carbon materials

Abstract

A tailored Carbon Material (CM) was designed to be used in the selective color removal of an Extra-aged Tequila to produce Cristalino Tequila. The CM showed a low superficial area and well-defined canals. Its elemental composition is mainly carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen, with groups -OH, -COOH, -CO, and -NH2 also present on its surface. Using a Taguchi L9-type experimental design, optimal operational conditions for selective color removal were defined (particle size 1.18–2.00 mm; dose 0.08 g mL−1). Results obtained showed a 12.2% elimination of the 280 nm band (attributed to polyphenols) and a 33.3% elimination of the 365 nm band (attributed to flavonoids) on a UV-Vis spectrum of the Tequila sample. The selectivity of CM is associated with its porous texture and the participation of nitrogenated groups during the adsorption mechanism. The present study shows that it is possible to produce Cristalino Tequila, which corresponds to an Extra-aged Tequila without color, preserving mainly the polyphenolic compounds characteristic of the aged beverage.

Keywords

• Alcoholic beverage innovation
• Flavonoids compounds
• Polyphenolic compounds
• Mesquite waste
• Surface chemistry
• Nitrogenated groups