High adsorption to methylene blue based on Fe3O4–N-banana-peel biomass charcoal

Abstract

This research focused on utilizing banana peel as the primary material for producing mesoporous biomass charcoal through one-step potassium hydroxide activation. Subsequently, the biomass charcoal underwent high-temperature calcination with varying impregnation ratios of KOH : BC for different durations in tubular furnaces set at different temperatures. The resultant biomass charcoal was then subjected to hydrothermal treatment with FeCl₃·6H₂O to produce biochar/iron oxide composites. The adsorption capabilities of these composites towards methylene blue (MB) were examined under various conditions, including pH (ranging from 3 to 12), temperature variations, and initial MB concentrations (ranging from 50 to 400 mg L⁻¹). The adsorption behavior aligned with the Langmuir model and demonstrated quasi-secondary kinetics. After five adsorption cycles, the capacity decreased from 618.64 mg g⁻¹ to 497.18 mg g⁻¹, indicating considerable stability. Notably, Fe₃O₄–N-BC exhibited exceptional MB adsorption performance.