Non-metallic functionalized biochar obtained from cornstalk biowaste for rapid organics removal via peroxymonosulfate activation

Abstract

The degradation of anionic organic dyes, specifically Eriochrome Black T (EBT) and Methyl Orange (MO), presents a significant challenge in wastewater treatment due to their persistence and potential environmental hazards. This research investigates the degradation of EBT and MO via peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation using a biochar catalyst. Specifically, pristine, O-doped, and B-doped corn stalk biochars were investigated for their effectiveness in promoting dye degradation. Characterization techniques, including SEM, FTIR, and XRD, were employed. The effects of operational parameters, including catalyst dosage, initial pollutant concentration, PMS concentration, inorganic ions, and a binary dye mixture, on degradation efficiency were studied. The experimental results demonstrated that B-doped biochar exhibits superior catalytic performance, degrading 95% and 89% of MO and EBT, respectively, in 60 min, compared to O-doped biochar, which degrades 89% and 75% of MO and EBT, respectively, in 90 min. Meanwhile, the radical-scavenging experiment showed that the radical pathway was the dominant reaction pathway. Furthermore, the catalyst's reusability was assessed over three cycles, with effective regeneration demonstrated after each cycle. The findings from this research not only underscore the pivotal role of O- and B-doped biochar catalysts in advanced oxidation processes for water purification but also the imperative of sustainable and efficient approaches to environmental remediation.