Influence of biomass type and pyrolysis temperature on biochar properties for water treatment applications

In this study, four different feedstocks—olive pomace, olive pomace stones, spent coffee grounds, and sewage sludge—were pyrolyzed at three temperatures (450°C, 550°C, and 650°C) under limited oxygen conditions to produce biochars aimed at removing phenol from aqueous solutions. Both raw and iron-functionalized biochars were prepared and tested. Iron impregnation was performed to improve the material’s capacity not only for phenol adsorption but also for its catalytic degradation through Fenton-like oxidation in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.