This work proposes a facile methodology for producing porous biochar material (ABC) from açaí kernel residue, produced by chemical impregnation with ZnCl2 (1:1) and pyrolysis at 650.0 °C. The characterization was achieved using several techniques, and the biochar material was employed as an adsorbent to remove catechol. The results show that ABC carbon has hydrophilic properties. The specific surface area and total pore volume are 1315 m2·g−1 and 0.7038 cm3·g−1, respectively. FTIR revealed the presence of oxygenated groups, which can influence catechol adsorption. The TGA/DTG indicated that the sample is thermally stable even at 580 °C. Adsorption studies showed that equilibrium was achieved in <50 min and the Avrami kinetic model best fits the experimental data, while Freundlich was observed to be the best-fitted isotherm model. Catechol adsorption on ABC biochar is governed by van der Waals forces and microporous and mesoporous filling mechanisms. The Qmax is 339.5 mg·g−1 (40 °C) with 98.36% removal of simulated effluent, showing that açaí kernel is excellent biomass to prepare good biochar that can be efficiently used to treat real industrial effluents.
Keywords: a phenolic compound; adsorption; açaí kernel; biochar.