NiO modified Biochar for efficient adsorption of cationic dye

¹ Laboratory of Materials, Nanotechnologies and Environment, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
² Laboratory of Spectroscopy, Molecular Modeling, Materials, Nanomaterials, Water and Environment (LS3MN2E), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
³ Laboratory of Spectroscopy, Molecular Modeling, Materials, Nanomaterials, Water and Environment, Environmental Materials Team, ENSAM, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco

^* Corresponding authors: Layla_elmoussaoui@um5.ac.ma

Abstract

There is a rising production of urban sewage sludge (SS) and the continuous discharge of methylene blue dye (MB) effluent from textile and pharmaceutical industries are posing a serious environmental challenge. In this study, SS was valorized using a thermal and chemical treatment to improve its absorption capacity to adsorb MB in contaminated aqueous solutions. The adsorbent prepared (NiOBCHCl) was further evaluated for the removal of MB dye. Several experimental techniques were used to characterize the material and related adsorption mechanisms. According to BET measurements, the specific surface area was found to be 48.32 m²/g was identified, and SEM/EDS confirmed a good incorporation of oxide on the biochar surface. The adsorption process follows the Sips isotherm model and the secondorder kinetic model. This study suggests that a composite of NiO and SS Biochar provides a highperformance and lowcost material for water treatment.