Novel CO2- and H3PO4-modified biochars were successfully synthesized from raw honeycomb biomass. They were characterized via several instrumental techniques. The optimal Pt(II) and Pt(IV) adsorption onto the studied biochars was reached for the initial pH of 1.5 and a contact time of 5 min (Pt(II)) and 24-48 h (Pt(IV)). The highest static adsorption capacities for Pt(II) and Pt(IV) were obtained for the H3PO4-modified biochar: 47 mg g-1 and 35 mg g-1, respectively. The Freundlich model described the Pt(II) adsorption isotherms onto both materials and the Pt(IV) adsorption isotherm onto the CO2-activated material, and the Langmuir model was the best fitted to the Pt(IV) adsorption isotherm onto the H3PO4-activated biochar. The best medium for the quantitative desorption of the Pt form from the H3PO4-modified biochar was 1 mol L-1 thiourea in 1 mol L-1 HCl. The adsorption mechanism of both the studied ions onto the synthesized H3PO4-modified biochar was complex and should be further investigated. The H3PO4-modified biochar was successfully applied for the first time for Pt(IV) removal from a spent automotive catalyst leaching solution.
Keywords: adsorption mechanism; automobile catalysts; leachate; platinum; slumgum-based biocarbon.