Jingyi Chen and colleagues published a study in Scientific Reports detailing the creation of iron-modified black peanut shell biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More (Fe@BC) and its application in adsorbing heavy metals from mixed solutions. The research focused on the material’s ability to remove lead (Pb(II)), copper (Cu(II)), and nickel (Ni(II)) from water.  

The authors prepared Fe@BC using FeCl3​ as a modifier to enhance the adsorption capabilities of black peanut shell biochar. The study found that Fe@BC had a higher affinity for Pb(II) compared to Cu(II) and Ni(II). The optimal conditions for Pb(II) adsorption were a pHpH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower pH values indicate acidity and higher values indicate alkalinity. Biochars are normally alkaline and can influence soil pH, often increasing it, which can be beneficial More of 4.0 and an equilibrium time of 8 hours, with an adsorption capacity of 22.535 mg/g in mixed systems.  

The research also explored the adsorption mechanisms, revealing that the process involves ion exchange, surface physisorption, pore adsorption, and chemical bonding. Furthermore, Fe@BC was shown to be reusable, maintaining effectiveness for up to four cycles when using HCl as a desorbent. The study concluded that Fe@BC is a promising adsorbent for removing Pb(II) from wastewater.  

SOURCE: Chen, J., Duan, Q., Liu, J., Zhang, S., Zhang, J., & Lin, S. (2025). Adsorption of Fe-modified peanut shell biochar for Pb(II) in mixed Pb(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) solutions. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 13558.