Adsorption mechanisms for cadmium from aqueous solutions by oxidant-modified biochar derived from Platanus orientalis Linn leaves

To understand the adsorption mechanisms of Cd2+ by oxidant-modified biochar (OMB) derived from Platanus orientalis Linn (POL) leaves, batch adsorption experiments and characterization were carried out. The results showed that, KMnO4-modified biochar (MBC) could more effectively remove Cd2+ from aqueous solution than H2O-, H2O2-, and K2Cr2O7-modified biochar (WBC, HBC and PBC, respectively). The highest removal efficiency was 98.57%, which was achieved by the addition of 2 g L-1 MBC at pH 6.0. According to the Langmuir fitting parameters, the maximum adsorption capacity for MBC was 52.5 mg g(-1) at 30 degrees C, which was twice as high as that for original biochar. MBC had the largest specific surface area with many particles distributed on the surface before and after adsorption, which were confirmed to be MnOx by XPS analysis. The complexation with MnO x was the main mechanism. Besides, O-containing groups complexation, precipitation, cation-pi intraction, and ion exchange also participated in the adsorption. However, WBC, HBC and PBC did not achieve ideal removal effects, and their stability was inferior. This could be attributed to the weakening of ion exchange and precipitation. This study not only demonstrates the potential of MBC, but also provides insight into strategies for the utilization of waste resources.

Automated summary

This study investigated the adsorption mechanisms of oxidant-modified biochar (OMB) derived from Platanus orientalis Linn (POL) leaves on Cd2+. The results showed that KMnO4-modified biochar (MBC) had the highest removal efficiency for Cd2+. The main adsorption mechanism was the complexation with MnOx, and other factors such as O-containing groups complexation, precipitation, cation-pi interaction, and ion exchange also played a role. The study not only demonstrated the potential of MBC for Cd2+ removal, but also provided insights into the utilization of waste resources.