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Biomass-Derived Carbon–Silica Hybrid Biochar for Nano- and Microplastic Adsorption

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  • Weimin Gao

    (School of Civil Engineering & Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
    State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building and Urban Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China)

  • Qiyang Ling

    (School of Civil Engineering & Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
    State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building and Urban Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China)

  • Dantong Zhu

    (School of Civil Engineering & Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
    State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building and Urban Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China)

  • Xiangju Cheng

    (School of Civil Engineering & Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
    State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building and Urban Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China)

Abstract

Nano- and microplastic contamination poses a growing challenge to aquatic environments, driving the need for efficient and sustainable removal technologies. In this study, carbon–silica hybrid nanoparticles (CSNPs) were synthesized from rice husk-derived black liquor via controlled lignin–silica self-assembly followed by thermal carbonization, providing a waste-recycling biorefinery route for value-added material production. Structural characterizations revealed that carbonization generates a hierarchically porous carbon–silica hybrid with enhanced surface area. The CSNPs exhibited rapid and size-dependent adsorption toward nano- and microplastics (200–1000 nm), with optimal performance observed for 500 nm particles. Microscopic observations further demonstrated a size-adaptive capture mechanism, involving pore filling and surface adsorption for nanoplastics and aggregate-assisted encapsulation for larger microplastics. This study highlights CSNPs as low-cost and effective adsorbents for broad-spectrum plastic removal while offering a sustainable pathway for the high-value utilization of black liquor and rice husk biomass in water purification applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Weimin Gao & Qiyang Ling & Dantong Zhu & Xiangju Cheng, 2026. "Biomass-Derived Carbon–Silica Hybrid Biochar for Nano- and Microplastic Adsorption," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:8:p:3721-:d:1916832
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