Hydrothermal N-doping, magnetization and ball milling co-functionalized sludge biochar design and its selective adsorption of trace concentration sulfamethoxazole from waters

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) Vol. 363; p. 142855
• Main Authors: Ma, Yongfei, Yao, Yanlai, Deng, Zhikang, Zeng, Chenyu, Liu, Yan, Ma, Junwei, Zhang, Zulin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2024
• Subjects: DFT calculation; Environmental safety; High anti-interference; Multiple modification; Regeneration; DFT calculation; Regeneration; Multiple modification; Environmental safety; High anti-interference
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142855

This study aimed to design an efficient and easily collected/regenerated adsorbent for trace concentration sulfamethoxazole (SMX) removal to eliminate its negative impacts on human health, reduce the risk of adsorbed SMX release and boost the reusability of adsorbent. Various multiple modified sludge-derived biochars (SBC) were synthesized in this work and applied to adsorb trace level SMX. The results demonstrated that hydrothermal N-doping, magnetization coupled with ball milling co-functionalized SBC (BMNSBC) displayed the greater adsorption ability for SMX. The maximum adsorption capacity of BMNSBC for SMX calculated by Langmuir model was 1.02 × 105 μg/g, which was 12.9 times of SBC. Characterization combined with adsorption experiments (e.g., models fitting) and DFT calculation confirmed that π-π conjugation, Lewis acid-base, pore filling and Fe3O4 complexation were the primary forces driving SMX binding to BMNSBC. These diversified physicochemical forces contributed to the fine anti-interference of BMNSBC to background substances (e.g., inorganic compounds and organic matter) and its remarkable adsorption ability for SMX in diverse real waters. The great magnetization strength of BMNSBC was advantage for its collection and efficient regeneration by NaOH desorption. Additionally, BMNSBC exhibited an outstanding security in view of its low leaching levels of iron (Fe) and total nitrogen (TN). The multiple superiority of BMNSBC enable it to be a prospective material for emerging contaminants (e.g., SMX) purification, also offering a feasible disposal approach for municipal waste (e.g., sludge). [Display omitted] •Hydrothermal N-doping, magnetization and ball milling co-modified SBC was produced.•BMNSBC showed the superior adsorption ability for SMX and great magnetic sensitivity.•Lewis acid-base, π-π conjugation, pore filling, Fe3O4 complexation were the main forces.•Multiple forces guaranteed the fine tolerance of BMNSBC to high salinity and pH range.•BMNSBC performed a good stability in view of the low leaching levels of Fe and TN.