Kinetic and Thermodynamic Analysis of the Adsorption of Methylene Blue onto Biochar

Abstract

Millions of people do not have access to clean drinking water; thus, cost-efficient water treatment systems are vital. Chemists, environmentalists, technicians, and engineers will be the professionals making breakthroughs in this industry. This laboratory experiment aims to introduce undergraduate students to the removal of pollutants from water using biochar. Specifically, the study explores the kinetics and thermodynamics of methylene blue adsorption onto biochar using UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. These general chemistry concepts can readily be observed in real time, as the blue color of the methylene blue solution decreases as it adsorbs on biochar. Students in a pilot course have shown their ability to relate thermodynamics and kinetics to the reaction mechanism in the form of a postlaboratory report.