The novel and highly efficient approach for PFAS substances removal from the aqueous environment will be introduced by Ing. Pavlína Kopáčová (Department of Nanochemistry, Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovation, Technical University of Liberec) on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. ZOOM link will be available soon.

Synergistic Effect of Biochar and Cyclodextrin for Efficient Removal of PFAS from Water

Ing. Pavlína Konopáčová

Department of Nanochemistry, Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovation, Technical University of Liberec

Abstract:

This study presents the development of novel, cost-effective biochar–cyclodextrin (CD) polymer composites that demonstrate highly efficient removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from aqueous environments. PFAS represent a major environmental concern due to their persistence, mobility, and adverse effects on human health and ecosystems. This work was carried out during a three-month research internship at TU Wien and focused on the development of novel biochar–cyclodextrin polymer composite materials for PFAS removal from aqueous environments. The primary objective was to reduce the required amount of cyclodextrin polymer in the adsorbent system, thereby decreasing the overall material cost while maintaining or improving adsorption performance.

Several biochar-based composites containing different types and proportions of biochar were prepared and compared with pristine CD polymer. Based on the obtained adsorption results, one composite material was selected for more detailed investigation.

Comprehensive adsorption studies including kinetic and isotherm experiments were performed to evaluate the adsorption behavior and mechanisms of PFAS uptake. Furthermore, the influence of water composition and the presence of dissolved organic matter was examined to assess the applicability of the material under environmentally relevant conditions. Remarkably, the selected biochar–CD composite demonstrated adsorption properties that in some cases surpassed those of the pure cyclodextrin polymer.

The results highlight the strong potential of biochar–cyclodextrin composite materials as cost-effective and efficient adsorbents for PFAS remediation in water treatment applications.