Microwave‐Activated Biochar From Peach Stones for Efficient Paracetamol Adsorption

ABSTRACT This investigation outlines the synthesis of activated biochar from peach stone biomass (ABPS) using a single‐step microwave‐assisted pyrolysis process. The resulting ABPS adsorbent was characterized using IEP, pH PZC , scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N 2 adsorption/desorption, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. Interactions between ABPS and the analgesic paracetamol (PAR) were also evaluated. The ABPS exhibited a surface area of 652 m 2 g −1 and was rich in oxygen‐based functional groups. The Avrami nonlinear kinetic model best described the adsorption kinetics, indicating rapid adsorption with t 0 . 95 = 2.381 min. The Liu nonlinear model best explained the adsorption isotherms, with a maximum adsorption capacity ( Q max ) of 150.2 mg g −1 . Thermodynamic and spectroscopic analyses indicated that the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous, exhibiting physisorption characteristics (ΔH = 36.37 kJ mol −1 ). The proposed adsorption mechanism involved pore filling, hydrogen bonding, π–π interactions, and van der Waals interactions in the ABPS–PAR system. The adsorption performance of activated biochar derived from peach stones highlights its potential as an effective carbon‐based adsorbent for paracetamol removal from wastewater. In addition to its high removal efficiency, the biochar demonstrated excellent reusability, maintaining high performance after three adsorption–desorption cycles, reinforcing its applicability in sustainable water treatment processes.