Polar and aliphatic domains regulate sorption of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) to biochars

► Sorption of PAEs by plant biomass-derived biochars was determined. ► Low-HTT biochars exhibited the high sorption of PAEs. ► The O and N groups jointly account for high sorption of PAEs for low-HTT biochars. ► Grass chars displayed higher PAEs sorption than wood chars.