Hierarchical porous sludge char were fabricated by pyrolysis at 500 °C.
A stronger Si–O bond (1.83 Å and 1.87 Å) between the carboxyl and SiO2 was found.
Quantum chemistry calculation confirmed the interaction of Si–O and H–O bonds.
Multiple model (QT = QA + KPCe) was presented in the sludge char sorption process.