Preparation of CSS-BC/g-C3N4 Composite and Its Adsorption Study on Methylene Blue

In this study, a novel composite material, denoted as CSS-BC/g-C₃N₄, was synthesized by combining camphor seed shells-biochar (CSS-BC) with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), which was synthesized from melamine. The motivation behind this study stems from the growing demand for efficient and eco-friendly materials to remove organic dyes from aqueous environments. Traditional biomass raw materials, such as coconut shells, walnut shells, pomelo peels, and wheat straw, are often characterized by highly demanding acquisition conditions and high costs of procurement, which consequently limit their availability. In contrast, CSS-BC, derived from abundant camphor seed shells, offers a low-cost alternative. Moreover, the introduction of g-C₃N₄ can effectively enhance the removal capacity of methylene blue(MB) from aqueous solutions by the composite material. By integrating these two materials, we aim to address the limitations of existing adsorbents and develop a more effective and environmentally friendly solution. The material was subjected to a thorough characterization employing X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The adsorption efficacy of CSS-BC/g-C₃N₄ toward MB was systematically assessed under a variety of conditions, including different ratios, pH levels, contact times, and initial MB concentrations, resulting in a maximum adsorption capacity of 290.012 mg/g. The adsorption kinetics of the material were found to align well with the pseudo-second-order model, and the adsorption isotherm data were well described by the Langmuir model, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.910. This research presents an efficient material for the removal of organic dyes from aqueous environments and offers innovative insights into the development of eco-friendly materials.