Biosorptive dehydration of tert-butyl alcohol using a starch-based adsorbent: Characterization and thermodynamics

► A compound biosorbent was formulated by corn, sweet potato and foaming agent. ► The biosorbent was used to dehydrate TBA firstly. ► Optimum adsorption condition was obtained through orthogonal design. ► Changes of surface morphology and microstructure of biosorbent was characterized. ► Thermodynamic parameter ΔHs and ΔGs were determined.