Acid-Activated Biochar From Pinus elliottii Pine Cone: Production, Characterization and High-Efficiency Adsorption of Methylene Blue
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64897/si.2026v2i1.001Keywords:
lignocellulosic residues, torrefaction, response surface methodology, low-cost adsorbent, environmental remediation, porous materials, carbon-based adsorbentAbstract
The growing occurrence of emerging pollutants in wastewater demands sustainable and low-cost adsorbents. This study examines forest-residue strobili of Pinus elliottii as a biochar precursor for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous media. Unmodified biochars (P260, P300) were produced by torrefaction at 260 °C and 300 °C, respectively, while chemically activated samples (M260, M300) were obtained by H₃PO₄ impregnation (1:1, w/w) followed by identical torrefaction. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with EDS revealed pore-like surface features and minimal residual phosphorus after washing. FTIR spectra indicated a decrease in oxygen-containing groups and the development of more aromatic structures in the activated biochars. Batch adsorption experiments (25 °C, 0.2 g L⁻¹) showed that the Langmuir maximum capacity increased from 296.7 mg g⁻¹ (P260) to 692.5 mg g⁻¹ (M300). Kinetic profiles for M300 displayed a biphasic pattern: a rapid uptake within 6 h followed by a slower approach to equilibrium at 36 h, best fitted by a pseudo-second order model (R² > 0.99). Mixture design modelling (CCD) of P260/M300 blends identified an optimal formulation of 27–34 % M300 and 1770 min, achieving an adsorption capacity of 359.85 mg g⁻¹. The results demonstrate that moderate-temperature (300 °C) H₃PO₄ activation yields high-performance biochars that outperform anthracite coal and many reported biochars. Combining activated and non-activated fractions offers a viable strategy to maximise efficiency while mitigating potential phosphorus-related impacts. Biochar derived from P. elliottii strobili therefore emerges as a promising and sustainable option for treating cationic effluents.
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