Optimization and Application of Date Palm Seed Derived Biochar for Augmented Adsorption of Volatile Organic Compounds: A Specialized Inquiry into Trichloroethylene (TCE) and Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) Remediation

Abstract

This research delves into the meticulous optimization and characterization of biochar (BC) derived from date palm seeds (DPS) in the Biskra region of Algeria. Guided by Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the study explores the dynamics of BC preparation, emphasizing the interplay between pyrolysis time and temperature. The success of the optimization process is validated through a desirability index of 0.843, showcasing the precision required for tailoring BC to specific environmental and economic contexts. Structural and compositional analyses, including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM), unravel the intricate relationship between precursor material and BC structure. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) results provide insights into BC’s elemental composition. Surface properties and reactivity assessments, including BET surface area analysis and pH at the point of zero charge (pHpzc), underscore BC’s potential as a versatile adsorbent. The study extends to adsorption assessments, revealing BC’s superior affinity for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE)). Kinetic studies employing the PSO model and isotherm studies utilizing Freundlich and Langmuir models elucidate BC’s adsorption behavior. The research contributes not only to the field of BC synthesis but also to the broader discourse on sustainable and tailored adsorbents, positioning BC as a multifaceted material with applications in environmental science, materials engineering, and catalysis.