When biochar meets iron mineral: An opportunity to achieve enhanced performance in treating toxic metal(loid)s and refractory organics

• Published in: Separation and purification technology Vol. 350; p. 128022
• Main Authors: Zhong, Haiyan, Feng, Zhenxu, Luo, Yixuan, Zheng, Yuling, Luo, Zhangxiong, Peng, Tianwei, Yan, Chen, Song, Biao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 18.12.2024
• Subjects: Biochar; Composite; Environmental remediation; Iron mineral; Synergistic mechanism; Environmental remediation; Iron mineral; Composite; Synergistic mechanism; Biochar
• ISSN: 1383-5866
• DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2024.128022

[Display omitted] •Preparation method selection of BIMCs primarily relies on its iron mineral component.•The use of biochar helps prevent the aggregation or agglomeration of iron minerals.•The presence of iron minerals boosts biochar’s ability to adsorb anionic pollutants.•Effective combination of biochar and iron minerals is essential for the synergistic effects. The application of biochar and iron mineral composites (BIMCs) in environmental remediation has demonstrated significant potential and value in recent years. These composites effectively integrate biochar and iron minerals through various processes, achieving synergistic effects between the two components and substantially enhancing the performance in environmental remediation. This review aims to give a comprehensive overview of the synthesis methods, applications, synergetic mechanisms, and research progress of BIMCs in treating toxic metal(loid)s and refractory organics. The effective combination of biochar and iron minerals (rather than simple physical mixing) is a prerequisite for harnessing their synergistic effects. The primary methods employed in the production of BIMCs include mixing-pyrolysis, precipitation, ball-milling, and biological reduction, and the selection of preparation method mainly depends on the iron mineral component and the research purpose. The utilization of BIMCs in environmental remediation is extensively discussed, encompassing their applications as adsorbents, soil amendments, Fenton oxidation catalysts, and persulfate oxidation catalysts. In addition, the prospects of BIMCs in practical engineering applications are discussed, and the challenges of current research are analyzed. The future research can be further in-depth in the aspects of efficient preparation methods, practical engineering applications, performance regulation rules, and synergistic mechanism of BIMCs. The BIMCs have broad application prospects in the field of environmental remediation, and are expected to provide more efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly solutions to treating toxic metal(loid)s and refractory organics.