Eucalyptus wood waste-derived biochar for aluminum adsorption: kinetic, equilibrium, and thermodynamic studies for heavy metal remediation
摘要
In this research work, the adsorption efficacy of the produced biochar from eucalyptus wood waste on the removal of aluminium ions (Al3⁺) in water is examined. The obtained biochar through slow pyrolysis at 450 °C was analyzed using SEM, FTIR, and BET analysis techniques showing mesoporous nature (with average pore size of 3.82 nm), specific surface area of 18.37 m2/g, and functional groups rich in oxygen. Batch experiments were used in determining the effect of the influencing parameters such as pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial Al3⁺ concentration, and temperature on adsorption process. Pseudo-second order kinetic model (R2 = 0.994) was found to fit the adsorption kinetics, while Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.991) was the best-fitting for the adsorption equilibrium process implying monolayer chemisorption with maximum adsorption capacity of 139.2 mg/g. Adsorption process proved to be spontaneous (ΔG° < 0) and exothermic (ΔH° = − 38.53 kJ/mol). Moreover, biochar showed good recyclability by maintaining 78% of adsorption capacity after five adsorption–desorption cycles.