Characterization and mechanism of the adsorptive removal of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol by biochar prepared from sugarcane baggase

Biochar from sugarcane baggase was prepared by heating at high temperature for 20 min. Surface properties of the biochar were determined by Boehm titrations and FTIR. Biochar has 50.47% fixed carbon having methylene blue surface area of 361.77 m2/g. SEM image revealed that biochar has cylindrical, well shaped porous structures that increase surface area for adsorption. Operational parameters for 2,4,6-TCP adsorption were optimized. The experimental qmax was found to be 253.38 mg/g. Biochar removed 2,4,6-TCP in the presence of multiple pollutants. The functional moieties present on biochar showed their affinity for 2,4,6-TCP ≠ methylene blue > phenol > mercury.