A slow pyrolysis biochar derived from Tetrapanax papyriferum petiole as an effective sorbent for removing copper ions from aqueous solution

Biochar derived from Tetrapanax papyriferum petioles at different pyrolysis temperatures was used to remove copper from aqueous solution. Abundant porous structures were observed with scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscope images revealed a unique layered nanopore structure. A high pyrolytic temperature resulted in a biochar with a higher surface area, ash content, and mineral element content. The maximum adsorption capacity of T. papyriferum petiole biochar (TBC) was 182 mg/g. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetics model were most suitable for describing the adsorption process, indicating that adsorption takes place at specific homogeneous sites within the adsorbent. The calculated ΔH° values indicated that the adsorption process was endothermic. The adsorption mechanism for TBC was attributed to precipitation, ion exchange, C-π interactions, and complexation. Thus, the biochar used in this study is a promising environmentally friendly and effective adsorbent for removing Cu2+ ions from an aqueous solution.