Correa-Abril, JhonnyStahl, UllrichCabrera, Elvia VParra, Yonathan JVega, Michael ATaamalli, SoniaLouis, FlorentRodríguez-Díaz, Joan Manuel2026-03-242026-03-2420242589-0042PMID:3884084310.1016/j.isci.2024.109958https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.109958https://andeanlibrary.org/handle/123456789/100901Vol. 27, No. 6, pp. 109958Biochar obtained via microwave-assisted pyrolysis (MAP) at 720 W and 15 min from cocoa pod husk (CPH) is an efficient adsorbent of Cd2+(aq). Biochar of residual biomass of CPH (BCCPH) possesses favorable physicochemical and morphological properties, featuring a modest surface area yet a suitable porous structure. Adsorption, predominantly governed by physisorption, is influenced by the oxygen-containing active sites (-COOR, -C(R)O, and -CH2OR; R = H, alkyl). CdCO3 formation occurs during adsorption. Experimental data were well-fitted into various kinetic models for a broad understanding of the sorption process. Langmuir model indicates a maximum adsorption capacity of 14.694 mg/g. The thermodynamic study confirms the spontaneous and endothermic sorption. Studies at the molecular level have revealed that the Cd2+ ion tends to bind to surface aromatic carbon atoms. This sustainable approach produces BCCPH via MAP as a solution for waste transformation into water-cleaning materials.engEnvironmental managementSoil chemistrySoil scienceArtículo Científico Publicado