Hydrochar-derived adsorbent for the removal of diclofenac from aqueous solution

Abstract The characteristics and diclofenac adsorption properties of a carbon adsorbent prepared from palm kernel shells were studied. via hydrothermal carbonization followed by an activation in nitrogen flow had mesoporous structure with homogenous pore distribution the specific surface area 131 m 2 g ?1 . Raman spectra showed formation graphene or graphite structures material during small number defects based on its I D /I G ratio about 0.5. FTIR analysis both qualitative quantitative decrease functional groups raw after activation. developed was found to be effective removal 95% maximum at pH 2, dose 15 gL adsorbate 50 mgL Diclofenac Langmuir isotherm model correlation coefficient R > 0.98. kinetics explained second-order kinetic rate constant (K ) 0.869 min interaction aromatic ?–? stacking hydrogen bonding between -OH phenol carboxylic acid DCF are leading good efficiency despite low adsorbent. Graphic abstract