Abstract: In this study, bean cake derived biochar (SYB) was modified by potassium hydroxide (KOH) (SYBK) to improve sorptive removal of Pb²⁺ from aqueous solutions. Batch sorption experiments were carried out with different sorption time, initial sorbate concentrations and pH values. The pristine and Pb²⁺ spent sorbents were characterized with the field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), specific surface area and pore size analyzer (BET), X-ray spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results show that the SYBK has more abundant surface functional groups and higher specific surface area. Pb²⁺ adsorption data by SYB and SYBK were well fitted with the Langmuir adsorption model and the predicted maximum adsorption capacities were 711.0 and 293.0 mg·g^-1 for SYBK and SYB, respectively. The XRD spectra of both spent sorbents revealed that Pb₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂ precipitate was formed after sorption reaction. Besides, large quantities of alkaline cations (e. g., Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺) was released into solution after sorption. The results above can provide reference for preparation of biochar-based sorbents for Pb²⁺ removal from aqueous solutions.