Formation and mechanisms of nano-metal oxide-biochar composites for pollutants removal: A review

• Published in: The Science of the total environment 2021-05, Vol.767, p.145305, Article 145305
• Main Authors: Zhao, Chenxi, Wang, Bing, Theng, Benny K.G., Wu, Pan, Liu, Fang, Wang, Shengsen, Lee, Xinqing, Chen, Miao, Li, Ling, Zhang, Xueyang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adsorption; Biochar; Charcoal; Environmental Pollutants; Nano-metal oxides; Oxides; Pollution remediation; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145305

Biochar, a carbon-rich material, has been widely used to adsorb a range of pollutants because of its low cost, large specific surface area (SSA), and high ion exchange capacity. The adsorption capacity of biochar, however, is limited by its small porosity and low content of surface functional groups. Nano-metal oxides have a large SSA and high surface energy but tend to aggregate and passivate because of their fine-grained nature. In combining the positive qualities of both biochar and nano-metal oxides, nano-metal oxide-biochar composites (NMOBCs) have emerged as a group of effective and novel adsorbents. NMOBCs improve the dispersity and stability of nano-metal oxides, rich in adsorption sites and surface functional groups, maximize the adsorption capacity of biochar and nano-metal oxides respectively. Since the adsorption capacity and mechanisms of NMOBCs vary greatly amongst different preparations and application conditions, there is a need for a review of NMOBCs. Herein we firstly summarize the recent methods of preparing NMOBCs, the factors influencing their efficacy in the removal of several pollutants, mechanisms underlying the adsorption of different pollutants, and their potential applications for pollution control. Recommendations and suggestions for future studies on NMOBCs are also proposed. [Display omitted] •Typical preparation methods for NMOBCs were summarized.•The influencing factors on the adsorption capacity of NMOBCs are analyzed.•The adsorption performance for different pollutants are summarized.•Possible removal mechanisms of different pollutants were discussed.•Suggestions and perspectives for future studies are proposed.