Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The potential adsorption mechanism of the biochars with different modification processes to Cr(VI)

  • Research Article
  • Published:
Environmental Science and Pollution Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Modified biochar has attracted wide attention due to its advantageous adsorption performance. However, the influence of modification process of biochar on adsorption capacity was seldom studied. In this study, biochar derived from corn stalks was modified through two kinds of modification processes: pre-pyrolysis (MBCpre) and post-pyrolysis (MBCpost) modification with citric acid, sodium hydroxide, ferric chloride, respectively. The results showed that the biochar modified by ferric chloride (MBC) provided better adsorption capacity for Cr(VI), and the pre-pyrolysis offered more favorable adsorption capacity for biochar than post-pyrolysis. By means of instrumental analysis, it was found that MBCpre owned highly dispersed Fe3O4 particles and larger surface area, which could be the critical role for enhancing the adsorption capacity of MBCpre. Meanwhile, MBCpost appeared more protonated oxygen-rich functional groups(C=O, –OH, etc.) and adsorbed Cr(VI) by electrostatic attraction and complexation. This study will offer a novel idea for the treatment of chromium-containing wastewater by selecting the modification processes of biochar.

Graphical abstract

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ahmad M, Rajapaksha AU, Lim JE, Zhang M, Bolan N, Mohan D, Vithanage M, Lee SS, Ok YS (2014) Biochar as a sorbent for contaminant management in soil and water: a review. Chemosphere 99:19–33

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Altun T, Kar Y (2016) Removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution by pyrolytic charcoals. New Carbon Mater 31:501–509

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Altun T, Pehlivan E (2012) Removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions by modified walnut shells. Food Chem 132:693–700

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Badruddoza AZ, Shawon ZB, Tay WJ, Hidajat K, Uddin MS (2013) Fe3O4/cyclodextrin polymer nanocomposites for selective heavy metals removal from industrial wastewater. Carbohydr Polym 91:322–332

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baig SA, Zhu J, Muhammad N, Sheng T, Xu X (2014) Effect of synthesis methods on magnetic Kans grass biochar for enhanced As(III, V) adsorption from aqueous solutions. Biomass Bioenergy 71:299–310

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Behnajady MA (2015) Artificial neural network modeling of Cr(VI) photocatalytic reduction with TiO-P25 nanoparticles using the results obtained from response surface methodology optimization. Desalin Water Treat 56:2906–2916

    Google Scholar 

  • Behnajady MA, Bimeghdar S (2014) Synthesis of mesoporous NiO nanoparticles and their application in the adsorption of Cr(VI). Chem Eng J 239:105–113

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Behnajady MA, Mansoriieh N, Modirshahla N, Shokri M (2012) Influence of operational parameters and kinetics analysis on the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) by immobilized ZnO. Environ Technol 33:265–271

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Behnajady MA, Yavari S, Modirshahla N (2014) Investigation on adsorption capacity of TiO2-P25 nanoparticles in the removal of a mono-azo dye from aqueous solution: a comprehensive isotherm analysis. Chem Ind Chem Eng Q 20:97–107

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chen T, Zhou Z, Xu S, Wang H, Lu W (2015a) Adsorption behavior comparison of trivalent and hexavalent chromium on biochar derived from municipal sludge. Bioresour Technol 190:388–394

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chen Z, Xiao X, Chen B, Zhu L (2015b) Quantification of chemical states, dissociation constants and contents of oxygen-containing groups on the surface of biochars produced at different temperatures. Environ Sci Technol 49:309–317

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Das DD, Schnitzer MI, Monreal CM, Mayer P (2009) Chemical composition of acid–base fractions separated from biooil derived by fast pyrolysis of chicken manure. Bioresour Technol 100:6524–6532

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Demiral H, Demiral I, Tümsek F, Karabacakoğlu B (2008) Adsorption of chromium (VI) from aqueous solution by activated carbon derived from olive bagasse and applicability of different adsorption models. Chem Eng J 144:188–196

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Deng H, Yang L, Tao G, Dai J (2009) Preparation and characterization of activated carbon from cotton stalk by microwave assisted chemical activation—application in methylene blue adsorption from aqueous solution. J Hazard Mater 166:1514–1521

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Deveci H, Kar Y (2013) Adsorption of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions by bio-chars obtained during biomass pyrolysis. J Ind Eng Chem 19:190–196

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ding Z, Hu X, Wan Y, Wang S, Gao B (2016) Removal of lead, copper, cadmium, zinc, and nickel from aqueous solutions by alkali-modified biochar: batch and column tests. J Ind Eng Chem 33:239–245

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dong X, Ma LQ, Li Y (2011) Characteristics and mechanisms of hexavalent chromium removal by biochar from sugar beet tailing. J Hazard Mater 190:909–915

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • dos Santos Coelho F, Ardisson JD, Moura FC, Lago RM, Murad E, Fabris JD (2008) Potential application of highly reactive Fe (0)/Fe3O4 composites for the reduction of Cr (VI) environmental contaminants. Chemosphere 71:90–96

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ekramul Mahmud HN, Huq AKO, Yahya RB (2016) ChemInform abstract: the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater/aqueous solution using Polypyrrole-based adsorbents: a review. Cheminform 47:14778–14791

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eskandarloo H, Badiei A, Behnajady M, Ziarani G (2014) Minimization of electrical energy consumption in the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) by using immobilized mg, Ag co-impregnated TiO2 nanoparticles. RSC Adv 4:28587–28596

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Feng Z, Chen N, Feng C, Gao Y (2018) Mechanisms of Cr(VI) removal by FeCl3 -modified lotus stem-based biochar (FeCl3 @LS-BC) using mass-balance and functional group expressions. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 551:17–24

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gan C, Liu Y, Tan X, Wang S, Zeng G, Zheng B, Li T, Jiang Z, Liu W (2015) Effect of porous zinc–biochar nanocomposites on Cr(VI) adsorption from aqueous solution. RSC Adv 5:35107–35115

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gao H, Lv S, Dou J, Kong M, Dai D, Si C, Liu G (2015) The efficient adsorption removal of Cr (VI) by using Fe3O4 nanoparticles hybridized with carbonaceous materials. RSC Adv 5:60033–60040

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ghorbani-Khosrowshahi S, Behnajady MA (2016) Chromium(VI) adsorption from aqueous solution by prepared biochar from Onopordom Heteracanthom. Int J Environ Sci Technol 13:1803–1814

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Guo H, Bi C, Zeng C, Ma W, Yan L, Li K, Wei K (2017) Camellia oleifera seed shell carbon as an efficient renewable bio-adsorbent for the adsorption removal of hexavalent chromium and methylene blue from aqueous solution. J Mol Liq 249:629–636

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hadjittofi L, Prodromou M, Pashalidis I (2014) Activated biochar derived from cactus fibres–preparation, characterization and application on Cu (II) removal from aqueous solutions. Bioresour Technol 159:460–464

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Han Y, Cao X, Ouyang X, Sohi SP, Chen J (2016) Adsorption kinetics of magnetic biochar derived from peanut hull on removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution: effects of production conditions and particle size. Chemosphere 145:336–341

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hayati B, Mahmoodi NM (2012) Modification of activated carbon by the alkaline treatment to remove the dyes from wastewater: mechanism, isotherm and kinetic. Desalin Water Treat 47:322–333

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • He B, Yun Z, Shi J, Jiang G (2013) Research progress of heavy metal pollution in China: sources, analytical methods, status, and toxicity. Chin Sci Bull 58:134–140

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jain M, Garg VK, Kadirvelu K (2010) Adsorption of hexavalent chromium from aqueous medium onto carbonaceous adsorbents prepared from waste biomass. J Environ Manag 91:949–957

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jung C, Heo J, Han J, Her N, Lee S-J, Oh J, Ryu J, Yoon Y (2013) Hexavalent chromium removal by various adsorbents: powdered activated carbon, chitosan, and single/multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Sep Purif Technol 106:63–71

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Khambhaty Y, Mody K, Basha S, Jha B (2009) Kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies on biosorption of hexavalent chromium by dead fungal biomass of marine Aspergillus niger. Chem Eng J 145:489–495

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Khan M, Mangrich A, Schultz J, Grasel F, Mattoso N, Mosca D (2015) Green chemistry preparation of superparamagnetic nanoparticles containing Fe3O4 cores in biochar. J Anal Appl Pyrolysis 116:42–48

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li H, Dong X, da Silva EB, de Oliveira LM, Chen Y, Ma LQ (2017) Mechanisms of metal sorption by biochars: biochar characteristics and modifications. Chemosphere 178:466–478

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li M, Liu Q, Guo L, Zhang Y, Lou Z, Wang Y, Qian G (2013) Cu (II) removal from aqueous solution by Spartina alterniflora derived biochar. Bioresour Technol 141:83–88

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li Y, Shao J, Wang X, Deng Y, Yang H, Chen H (2014) Characterization of modified biochars derived from bamboo pyrolysis and their utilization for target component (furfural) adsorption. Energy Fuel 28:5119–5127

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lim S-F, Zheng Y-M, Zou S-W, Chen JP (2008) Characterization of copper adsorption onto an alginate encapsulated magnetic sorbent by a combined FT-IR, XPS, and mathematical modeling study. Environ Sci Technol 42:2551–2556

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu W-J, Tian K, Jiang H, Yu H-Q (2013) Facile synthesis of highly efficient and recyclable magnetic solid acid from biomass waste. Sci Rep 3:2419

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lu H, Zhang W, Yang Y, Huang X, Wang S, Qiu R (2012) Relative distribution of Pb2+ sorption mechanisms by sludge-derived biochar. Water Res 46:854–862

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lyu H, Tang J, Huang Y, Gai L, Zeng EY, Liber K, Gong Y (2017) Removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions by a novel biochar supported nanoscale iron sulfide composite. Chem Eng J 322:516–524

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mahmoudi E, Behnajady MA (2018) Synthesis of Fe3O4@NiO core-shell nanocomposite by the precipitation method and investigation of Cr(VI) adsorption efficiency. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 538:287–296

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mohagheghian A, Vahidi-Kolur R, Pourmohseni M, Yang J-K, Shirzad-Siboni M (2017) Application of scallop shell-Fe3O4 nanoparticles for the removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions. Water Sci Technol 75:2369–2380

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mohan D, Sarswat A, Ok YS, Pittman CU Jr (2014) Organic and inorganic contaminants removal from water with biochar, a renewable, low cost and sustainable adsorbent–a critical review. Bioresour Technol 160:191–202

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nethaji S, Sivasamy A, Mandal A (2013) Preparation and characterization of corn cob activated carbon coated with nano-sized magnetite particles for the removal of Cr (VI). Bioresour Technol 134:94–100

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Owalude SO, Tella AC (2016) Removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions by adsorption on modified groundnut hull. Beni-suef Univ J Basic Appl Sci 5:377–388

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Panda L, Das B, Rao D, Mishra B (2011) Application of dolochar in the removal of cadmium and hexavalent chromium ions from aqueous solutions. J Hazard Mater 192:822–831

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pradhan D, Sukla LB, Sawyer M, Rahman PK (2017) Recent bioreduction of hexavalent chromium in wastewater treatment: a review. J Ind Eng Chem 55:1–20

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Qi W, Zhao Y, Zheng X, Ji M, Zhang Z (2016) Adsorption behavior and mechanism of Cr (VI) using Sakura waste from aqueous solution. Appl Surf Sci 360:470–476

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • QuiIntana M, Curutchet G, Donati E (2001) Factors affecting chromium (VI) reduction by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. Biochem Eng J 9:11–15

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ramrakhiani L, Majumder R, Khowala S (2011) Removal of hexavalent chromium by heat inactivated fungal biomass of Termitomyces clypeatus: surface characterization and mechanism of biosorption. Chem Eng J 171:1060–1068

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reddy DHK, Lee S-M (2014) Magnetic biochar composite: facile synthesis, characterization, and application for heavy metal removal. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 454:96–103

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shen B, Li G, Wang F, Wang Y, He C, Zhang M, Singh S (2015) Elemental mercury removal by the modified bio-char from medicinal residues. Chem Eng J 272:28–37

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shen Y, Tang J, Nie Z, Wang Y, Ren Y, Zuo L (2009) Preparation and application of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles for wastewater purification. Sep Purif Technol 68:312–319

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Simha P, Yadav A, Pinjari D, Pandit AB (2016) On the behaviour, mechanistic modelling and interaction of biochar and crop fertilizers in aqueous solutions. Resour Effic Technol 2:133–142

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Siva T, Kamaraj K, Karpakam V, Sathiyanarayanan S (2013) Soft template synthesis of poly (o-phenylenediamine) nanotubes and its application in self healing coatings. Prog Org Coat 76:581–588

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sizmur T, Fresno T, Akgül G, Frost H, Moreno-Jiménez E (2017) Biochar modification to enhance sorption of inorganics from water. Bioresour Technol 246:34–47

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tan X, Liu Y, Zeng G, Wang X, Hu X, Gu Y, Yang Z (2015) Application of biochar for the removal of pollutants from aqueous solutions. Chemosphere 125:70–85

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tytłak A, Oleszczuk P, Dobrowolski R (2015) Sorption and desorption of Cr (VI) ions from water by biochars in different environmental conditions. Environ Sci Pollut Res 22:5985–5994

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang XS, Chen LF, Li FY, Chen KL, Wan WY, Tang YJ (2010) Removal of Cr (VI) with wheat-residue derived black carbon: reaction mechanism and adsorption performance. J Hazard Mater 175:816–822

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson D, Langell M (2014) XPS analysis of oleylamine/oleic acid capped Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a function of temperature. Appl Surf Sci 303:6–13

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xu R-k, Xiao S-c, Yuan J-h, Zhao A-z (2011) Adsorption of methyl violet from aqueous solutions by the biochars derived from crop residues. Bioresour Technol 102:10293–10298

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang J, Zhao Y, Ma S, Zhu B, Zhang J, Zheng C (2016) Mercury removal by magnetic biochar derived from simultaneous activation and magnetization of sawdust. Environ Sci Technol 50:12040–12047

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yuan H, Lu T, Huang H, Zhao D, Kobayashi N, Chen Y (2015) Influence of pyrolysis temperature on physical and chemical properties of biochar made from sewage sludge. J Anal Appl Pyrolysis 112:284–289

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yuan J-H, Xu R-K, Zhang H (2011) The forms of alkalis in the biochar produced from crop residues at different temperatures. Bioresour Technol 102:3488–3497

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang J, Zheng P (2015) A preliminary investigation of the mechanism of hexavalent chromium removal by corn-bran residue and derived chars. RSC Adv 5:17768–17774

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang M-m, Liu Y-g, Li T-t, Xu W-h, Zheng B-h, Tan X-f, Wang H, Guo Y-m, Guo F-y, Wang S-f (2015) Chitosan modification of magnetic biochar produced from Eichhornia crassipes for enhanced sorption of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution. RSC Adv 5:46955–46964

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang M, Gao B, Varnoosfaderani S, Hebard A, Yao Y, Inyang M (2013) Preparation and characterization of a novel magnetic biochar for arsenic removal. Bioresour Technol 130:457–462

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou L, Liu Y, Liu S, Yin Y, Zeng G, Tan X, Hu X, Hu X, Jiang L, Ding Y (2016) Investigation of the adsorption-reduction mechanisms of hexavalent chromium by ramie biochars of different pyrolytic temperatures. Bioresour Technol 218:351–359

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu X, Liu Y, Qian F, Zhou C, Zhang S, Chen J (2014) Preparation of magnetic porous carbon from waste hydrochar by simultaneous activation and magnetization for tetracycline removal. Bioresour Technol 154:209–214

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu Y, Li H, Zhang G, Meng F, Li L, Wu S (2018) Removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution by different surface-modified biochars: acid washing, nanoscale zero-valent iron and ferric iron loading. Bioresour Technol 241:142–150

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ziaeifar N, Khosravi M, Behnajady MA, Sohrabi MR, Modirshahla N (2015) Optimizing adsorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions by NiO nanoparticles using Taguchi and response surface methods. Water Sci Technol 72:721–729

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

This work was supported in part by the Technology innovation and application demonstration of Chongqing science and technology planning project (Project No. cstc2018jscx-msybX0308).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region’s Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, People’s Republic of China

    Qiang An, Xue-Qin Li, Hong-Yan Nan, Yang Yu & Jun-Nan Jiang

  2. National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, People’s Republic of China

    Qiang An

  3. School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China

    Hong-Yan Nan

Authors
  1. Qiang An
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Xue-Qin Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Hong-Yan Nan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Yang Yu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jun-Nan Jiang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Qiang An.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Additional information

Responsible editor: Hailong Wang

Electronic supplementary material

ESM 1

(DOCX 20 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

An, Q., Li, XQ., Nan, HY. et al. The potential adsorption mechanism of the biochars with different modification processes to Cr(VI). Environ Sci Pollut Res 25, 31346–31357 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-3107-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-3107-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation