Multi-Feedstock Biochar from Lignocellulosic Biomass: Synthesis and Dye Adsorption Performance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15421/cims.5.341Keywords:
methylene blue, adsorption kinetics, biomass valorization, porous carbon materials, surface functional groups, wastewater treatmentAbstract
Purpose. This study developed a multi-feedstock biochar (MFB) from lignocellulosic biomass — teak wood, coconut shell, sugarcane bagasse, maize straw, and peanut shell — to enhance methylene blue adsorption through cooperative interactions between various biomass feedstocks. Design / Method / Approach. MFB was synthesized by controlled pyrolysis at 500–700 °C under inert atmosphere and characterized using BET, SEM, FTIR, XRD, zeta potential, and DLS analyses. Adsorption performance toward methylene blue was assessed through batch experiments and modeled using kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic approaches. Findings. MFB exhibited a BET surface area of 76.6 m² g⁻¹, a hierarchical pore structure, and diverse surface functional groups, collectively improving dye adsorption efficacy. Under optimized conditions, more than 95% of methylene blue was removed within 90 minutes. Adsorption fitted the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, confirming monolayer chemisorption; thermodynamic analysis indicated a spontaneous and endothermic process driven by pore diffusion, π–π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic attraction. Theoretical Implications. The results demonstrate that combining several biomass feedstocks produces synergistic physicochemical properties difficult to achieve with single-feedstock biochar, advancing the mechanistic understanding of multi-component biochar adsorbents. Practical Implications. The use of widely available biomass waste makes MFB a scalable, affordable, and sustainable solution for dye-contaminated wastewater treatment. Originality / Value. Unlike conventional single-feedstock approaches, this study systematically examines how feedstock integration governs pore structure, surface heterogeneity, and adsorption mechanisms, demonstrating that synergistic biomass combination enhances adsorption performance beyond simple feedstock substitution. Research Limitations / Future Research. The study is limited to laboratory-scale experiments with synthetic dye solutions; future work should address regeneration performance, long-term stability, real wastewater treatment, and pilot-scale validation. Article Type. Empirical Research Paper.
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