One-step synthesis of readily recyclable poplar sawdust-based porous carbon for the adsorption of tetracycline

To solve the problem of a large amount of poplar sawdust (Populus L.) in urgent need of disposal and widespread contamination by tetracycline (TC), a new and simple method of simultaneous activation, magnetization, and carbonization was used to prepare a magnetic porous carbon adsorbent (MPC). This agroforestry waste was successfully turned into a treasure. The magnetic properties make MPC easy to be separated from water. The activation of KHCO 3 and FeCl 3 ·6H 2 O and high-temperature carbonization significantly caused a significant increase in the pore volume of the MPC. The MPC has an ultra-high specific surface area (1002.48 m 2 g −1 ) and well-developed microporous/mesoporous structures. The adsorption process of the MPC on tetracycline was a chemisorption-based monolayer adsorption process with an adsorption capacity of 288.2 mg g −1 . π-π-EDA interactions and van der Waals forces were probably the most important driving forces for the adsorption of TC. The adsorption of TC by the MPC performed well at a wide range of pH and had significant resistance to interference. At the same time, the excellent adsorption effect was maintained after four cycles of experiments. The simple and unique preparation, magnetic properties, and excellent pore structures of the MPC make it a promising candidate for engineering applications.