Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis of Biomass-Derived Biochar Aerogels for Efficient Contaminant Degradation

Researchers employ microwave-assisted pyrolysis to craft biochar aerogels from α-cellulose and sodium lignosulfonate, enhancing surface area and functional groups. The resulting catalysts efficiently activate peroxymonosulfate, facilitating rapid degradation of oxytetracycline hydrochloride through singlet oxygen pathway, offering promise for eco-friendly contaminant remediation.

March 23, 2024

1–2 minutes

Zhou, Qin, et al. (2024) Microwave assisted biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More derived carbon aerogel for highly efficient oxytetracycline hydrochloride degradation: Singlet oxygen mechanism and C vacancies accelerated electron transfer. *Chemical Engineering Journal*. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.150370

In the pursuit of sustainable solutions for environmental remediation, researchers have explored the microwave-assisted pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More of plant biomass-derived α-cellulose and sodium lignosulfonate to develop 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 aerogel catalysts. These catalysts exhibit enhanced properties such as increased surface area, enriched functional groups, and abundant vacancies, paving the way for efficient peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation and organic pollutant degradation under transition metal-free conditions.

The study reveals that microwave treatment and the inclusion of sodium lignosulfonate play pivotal roles in introducing thiophene S, enriching C=O groups, and enhancing C vacancies, thereby boosting the catalytic performance of the biochar aerogels. The optimal catalyst, C3S2, demonstrates exceptional capability in promoting PMS activation, leading to a remarkable 99.9% degradation of oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC) within just 15 minutes, with a high rate constant of 0.818 min^-1.

Furthermore, the investigation delves into the mechanism underlying OTC degradation, highlighting the involvement of key active sites such as C=O groups and thiophene S in the production of singlet oxygen (1O2) via PMS activation. Additionally, the enrichment of C vacancies facilitates electron transfer processes, further accelerating pollutant degradation.

The research not only sheds light on the design of metal-free biochar catalysts for efficient contaminant removal but also underscores the potential of biomass-derived materials in addressing environmental challenges. By elucidating the intricate pathways involved in pollutant degradation, this work contributes to advancing sustainable technologies for water treatment and ecosystem protection.