Work

Biochar supported Fe–TiO2 composite for wastewater treatment: Solid-state synthesis and mechanistic insights

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A low-cost, solvent-free solid-state method for synthesizing an iron-doped TiO 2 –biochar composite using licorice root waste as the carbon source was proposed. Licorice was selected after a comprehensive adsorption study using methylene blue (MB) and paracetamol (PC), which revealed its superior performance among four tested biochars. The adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and was best described by the Langmuir model, indicating monolayer uptake on homogeneous active sites, with Q max values of 949 mg/g for MB and 923 mg/g for PC. When coupled with Fe-doped TiO 2 , the licorice-derived biochar enhanced the photocatalytic properties by increasing the surface area, reducing the band gap to 2.06 eV, and improving charge separation. Scavenger tests indicated a shift in the primary degradation pathway from hydroxyl to superoxide radicals upon biochar incorporation. The composite showed excellent removal efficiency under visible light and strong stability across cycles, making it a promising, sustainable material for advanced wastewater treatment applications.

Source: Chemical Engineering Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2025.122076

Authors: Domenico Rosa, Rania Remmani, Irene Bavasso, Maria Paola Bracciale, Luca Di Palma

Institutions: National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Biskra

Language: English

Topic: TiO2 Photocatalysis and Solar Cells

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,050