Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates the potential of biochar produced via a solar pyrolysis system and its effectiveness in removing copper (Cu2+) ions from water, presenting a sustainable and energy-efficient method for biochar production and biomass recycling. Two common agricultural and livestock wastes, corn straw and cow dung, were used as raw materials to produce biochar. These materials underwent solar pyrolysis under limited oxygen conditions to produce biochar, which was then compared to biochar produced via traditional pyrolysis. The comparison involved elemental analyses, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and specific surface area and pore size analysis to highlight differences in their physical and chemical properties. Adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the adsorptive capacity of biochar for copper ions (Cu2+) from water, determining the optimal pH conditions and underlying adsorption mechanisms. The findings reveal that biochar produced through solar pyrolysis exhibits similar properties and Cu2+ adsorption capacities to those prepared by traditional methods. Specifically, cow dung biochar demonstrated a higher adsorption capacity for Cu2+ compared to corn straw biochar. The Cu2+ adsorption by corn straw biochar followed the Langmuir isothermal adsorption model and pseudo-second-order kinetic equation, whereas cow dung biochar conformed to the Freundlich isothermal adsorption model and pseudo-second-order kinetic equation. By demonstrating the comparable efficacy of solar pyrolysis biochar in heavy metal adsorption, this study highlights its potential for sustainable environmental remediation and biomass utilization.
Source: Earth Sciences
Authors: Taotao Sun, Mian Aslam, Guangquan Chen, Yuchen Ye, Wentao Xu, Changsheng Peng
Institutions: Ministry of Natural Resources, Anhui Polytechnic University
Language: English
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: Anhui Polytechnic University
OpenAlex ID: W4401767906