A facile route for the preparation of biochars from household and agricultural byproducts (orange peel, pistachio shells, and corn stover) was attained. The samples were characterized using FTIR, BET surface area and pore size analysis, and powder X-ray diffraction. Lead extraction efficiencies and metal analysis was carried out using ICP Atomic Emission Analysis. Two main factors governing the adsorptive characteristics of biochars were their pore structure and the chemical nature of the surface. The various bands and shoulders in IR spectra of the three different biochars with differing pyrolysis temperatures exhibited similar vibration modes in atomic groups and structures. The specific surface areas of the biochars were determined using BET nitrogen adsorption method; despite low values, the efficiency of the chars for aqueous lead adsorption was significant with orange peel (up to 92% from 4.0 ml of 10 ppm solution using 10 mg of the extractant). The carbonization temperatures were kept between 300 – 600 °C to maintain the presence of CO, C-O, CH<sub>2</sub> and CH<sub>3</sub>, and OH containing structures which is correlated with positive effect on the adsorption efficiency. Further modifications to the biochars including magnetization and impregnation with active metal oxide nanoparticles are currently underway. Metal ion adsorption capacities and selectivity by these modified biochars are also under investigation.

Synthesis of biochars using household and agricultural byproducts (orange peel, pistachio shells, and corn stover) and their application in lead adsorption from aqueous solutions

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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