Biochar Applications in Aqueous Dye Adsorption
Summary
Biochar, a carbon-rich solid derived from biomass through controlled thermal conversion, has emerged as a versatile adsorbent for the removal of textile and industrial dyes from wastewater. Its porous architecture, surface functional groups and tunable physicochemical properties enable efficient sequestration of both cationic and anionic colourants. Production parameters such as pyrolysis temperature, feedstock type and activation method govern surface area, pore size distribution and chemical functionality. Adsorption mechanisms include electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, π–π interactions and ion exchange, often described by adsorption isotherms (Langmuir or Freundlich) and kinetics models (pseudo-second-order). The global significance of biochar lies in its potential to valorise agricultural and forestry residues while addressing pressing water-quality challenges. Integration of regeneration and reuse strategies further enhances its sustainability and cost-effectiveness in real-world treatment scenarios.
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Biochar Applications in Aqueous Dye Adsorption publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in biochar applications in aqueous dye adsorption across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Biochar: A porous, carbonaceous material produced by thermochemical conversion of biomass under limited oxygen;
Adsorption Isotherm: A mathematical model describing equilibrium uptake of adsorbate versus its concentration in solution (e.g., Langmuir, Freundlich);
Pseudo-second-order Kinetics: A rate model assuming that the rate-limiting step involves chemisorption proportional to the square of available sites;
Pyrolysis: Thermal decomposition of organic feedstock in an oxygen-deficient environment, yielding biochar, gases and bio-oil;
Chemisorption: Adsorption involving formation of chemical bonds between adsorbate molecules and surface functional groups.
References
- Biochar as an Eco-Friendly and Economical Adsorbent for the Removal of Colorants (Dyes) from Aqueous Environment: A Review. Water (2020).
- "Theory of Pore Conflation" and "Shubhjyot's equation" in the treatment of Brilliant green dye-contaminated water using Jamun leaves biochar. Biochar (2025).
- Study of methylene blue dye removal using biochar derived from leaf and stem of Lantana camara L.. Carbon Research (2024).
- Valorization of waste pine needle biomass into biosorbents for the removal of methylene blue dye from water: Kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics study. Environmental Technology & Innovation (2022).
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