Influence of Pyrolysis Conditions on Surface Characteristics and Methylene Blue Adsorption of Biochar Derived from Date Seed Biomass

Biochar samples were prepared from date seed biomass using slow pyrolysis at different temperatures (350-550 degrees C) and heating time (1-3 h). The influence of pyrolysis temperature and heating time on the physiochemical properties of the biochar were studied. Methylene blue (MB) adsorption by the biochar was also studied. Biochar yield decreased with increasing pyrolysis temperature and heating time. Carbon content, ash content and pH of the biochar increased with increasing pyrolysis temperature as well as heating time. FTIR analysis and scanning electron microscopy indicated that the biochars possess various surface functional groups such as carboxylic and phenolic groups. Batch adsorption results showed that the capacity of biochar to remove MB from aqueous solutions correlated positively with pyrolysis temperature and heating time. The highest MB removal capacity was achieved by the biochar prepared at 550 degrees C and 3 h heating time. The equilibrium results for MB adsorption on the biochar prepared at 550 degrees C and 3 h was well fitted to Langmuir with maximum adsorption (q(max)) of 0.133 mM g(-1) (42.57 mg g(-1)). The results suggest that date seed derived biochar can be a viable option for wastewater treatment.