Fabrication of Partially Graphitic Biochar for the Removal of Diclofenac and Ibuprofen from Aqueous Solution: Laboratory Conditions and Real Sample Applications

Abstract

In this study, partially graphitic biochar was synthesized using peanut shell biomass and potassium ferrate (K 2 FeO 4 ) with a simple strategy and applied for the removal of two commonly used nonsteroid antiinflammatory drugs (ibuprofen [IBU] and diclofenac [DCF]) from water. K 2 FeO 4 0.1 M was found to be the suitable concentration for the conversion from pristine biochar to partially graphitic biochar. After modification, the scanning electron microscopy image revealed an extremely rough and heterogeneous surface of the modified biochar (PK01), while the HRTEM, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectra analyses indicated the presence of graphitic component in PK01 structure. Characterization results indicated that the synthesized nanomaterial simultaneously possessed the properties of graphitic carbon and porous biochar with relatively large specific surface area (374.0 m 2 /g), as well as micro/mesopore structure. The effect of ambient conditions (contact time, temperature, and solution pH) on the adsorption processes of two contaminants was investigated. The experimental results suggested that the pseudo-second-order, Langmuir, and Freundlich models could well describe the attached behavior of IBU and DCF onto the adsorbent (PK01). In all experiments (single, binary, and real water sample systems), DCF exhibited higher adsorption capacity compared to that of IBU, due to the more H-bond acceptor of the DCF molecule compared with IBU. The H-bonding interactions could be the major driving force for the attachment of two adsorbates onto the adsorbent surface, followed by electrostatic attractions, and p-p EDA interactions. Based on the experimental results, PK01 can be suggested as a potential adsorbent for the removal of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs from water bodies.

Potential Application of Alternative Materials for Organic Pollutant Removal

“…About the equilibrium model, the Sips model showed the best fit, according to the coefficient determination (R 2 ) of 0.847, 0.984, and 0.896 to the 2, 5, and 7.5 g L −1 respectively, with a maximum adsorption capacity (Qs) of 0.272, 0.519, and 0.769 mg g −1 . Thus, according to the literature, the results using biochar in the removal of drugs were promising, with excellent results for Q s , K s , and n S using the Sips model that, in high concentrations of adsorbate, provides an adsorption capacity in monolayers, characteristic of the isotherm of Langmuir (Nguyen et al, 2021;Santos et al, 2020).…”

Recent advances on sustainable removal of emerging contaminants from water by bio-based adsorbents

“…85–87 Peanut shell and walnut shell biochar were also used for the removal of different CECs. 88,89 Table 2 summarizes the application of bio-based adsorbents derived from various sources for the removal of CECs, along with the experimental conditions as studied by researchers worldwide. Microporosity and the ability of physisorption, electrostatic attraction and hydrophobic interaction of bio-based composites were found to affect the CEC removal efficiency.…”

“…This shifting of peaks after adsorption confirmed the hydrogen bond formation among the oxygen containing functional groups of DS/IBF and K 2 FeO 4 modified peanut shell biochar. 88…”

Biomass-Tuned Reduced Graphene Oxide@Zn/Cu: Benign Materials for the Cleanup of Selected Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Water

“…According to a lucid analysis of all of these techniques, carbon-based adsorption generally has proven to be one of the most promising approaches for removing these contaminants from water because it is easy, cost-effective, and has zero production of toxic by-products. 18−20 Recently, researchers have explored different materials with the potential to remove these contaminants from water, such as magnetic silica composites decorated with graphene oxide, 21 reduced graphene oxide (RGO), 21 and graphitic carbon nitride, 22 to remove pharmaceutical contaminants from aqueous systems. It exhibited high adsorption capacity.…”

“…Recently, researchers have explored different materials with the potential to remove these contaminants from water, such as magnetic silica composites decorated with graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide (RGO), and graphitic carbon nitride, to remove pharmaceutical contaminants from aqueous systems. It exhibited high adsorption capacity .…”