Water Science and Technology (May 2022)

Preparation of structured biochar, its adsorption capacity of N and P and its characterization

  • Liang Fanfan,
  • Liu Yungen,
  • Wang Yan,
  • Yang Silin,
  • Ma Rong

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2022.143
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 85, no. 9
pp. 2443 – 2462

Abstract

Read online

Structured biochar (SC) was prepared by biochar from cattail-sludge mixture (CS) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and treated as an adsorbent, and the KH2PO4 and NH4Cl solution were treated as adsorbates, to explore the adsorption capacity of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) on SC in water. A single factor experimental method was employed to determine the optimal parameters for SC. The results showed that: 60% sizing amount, 5 N (cm2)−1 molding pressure, 160 °C molding temperature and 95 min molding time were optimal parameters for SC preparation. The adsorption of P and N on SC conforms to the Langmuir model, with the distribution of adsorption sites on the surface tending to be even. The adsorption of P and N on SC is favorable and spontaneous, and the adsorption tends to be monolayer adsorption with a major role for chemical adsorption. The higher the temperature, the higher the adsorption capacity of P and N on SC is, and the affinity of SC with P is higher than that with N. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model for the adsorption of N and P by SC has a high degree of fit. The pHpzc value of SC was 8.57. The hydrophobicity and stability of SC are rather high, with the surface particles closely bonded and increased roughness and pore diameter. The adsorption mechanism of P and N on SC can be attributed to pore filling, electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding. The results can provide a new technology for the resource utilization of cattails and sludge, a new idea for the recycling and reuse of biochar, and a basis for the selection of materials for the treatment of eutrophic water bodies. HIGHLIGHTS The optimal parameters for SC preparation was determined as follows: the composite with HDPE (200 mesh) mixed with CS at a mass ratio of 3:2 was first molded under a pressure of 5 N(cm2)−1, heated at 160 °C for 95 min, and finalized after cooling.; The adsorption mechanism of P and N on SC can be attributed to pore filling, electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonds.;

Keywords