Electro-induced biochar-embedded-SIPN hydrogel as discrete bipolar electrodes for selective oxidation and enrichment of trace thallium(Ι)

[Display omitted] •BC-SIPN particles selectively adsorb TlOH(aq), easing Tl concentration dependence.•Hydrogen bonding-electrostatic interactions formed between TlOH(aq) and BC-SIPN.•SIPN enhances particle stability, extending lifetime for sustained efficacy.•Electro-induction directly oxidizes Tl(I) to Tl(III) by BEC on BC-SIPN particles.•Gel-minerals with 0.073 % Tl content exhibit recycling potential. Electrochemical techniques for thallium (Tl) treatment face a substantial challenge linked to the concentration of Tl(I), hindering the efficient removal and recovery of trace Tl(I) (μg L−1). In response, we synthesized hydrogel particles incorporating biochar (BC) within semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (SIPN), showcasing robust selectivity for Tl(I). These biochar-embedded-SIPN hydrogel particles (BC-SIPN particles), employed as dispersed electrodes, facilitated the targeted oxidation and enrichment of Tl(I) through electro-induction. Research outcomes elucidate the adept mitigation of the “efficiency-dependent concentration” behavior by electro-induced BC-SIPN particles during the reaction process. Under optimized conditions (pH 12, 2 V cm−1, 30 min), Tl(I) removal efficiency surpassed 98 % at an initial concentration of 100 μg L−1. The SIPN structure enhanced particle stability, and after seven cycles of enrichment in a 100 μg L−1 Tl(I) environment, BC-SIPN particles achieved a Tl content of 0.073 %, meeting Tl mineral content standards and promoting the recovery of scarce Tl resources. First-principles calculations underscore the pivotal role of hydrogen bond-electrostatic interactions between TlOH(aq) and particles in driving selective Tl(I) adsorption. Insights from quenching and capture reactions reveal a predominant direct oxidation pathway of Tl(I) to Tl(Ⅲ), complemented by indirect oxidation driven by reactive oxygen species, including OH, O- 2 and 1O2. This study presents an innovative approach for trace Tl(I) wastewater treatment, simultaneously mitigating the “efficiency-dependent concentration” phenomenon, and underscores the transformative potential of electro-induced BC-SIPN hydrogel particles in offering sustainable solutions for Tl(I) removal and resource recovery in environmental stewardship.