Application of central composite design for optimisation of the development of metakaolin based geopolymer as adsorbent for water treatment
Badr Aouan, Marouane El Alouani, Saliha Alehyen, Mouhcine Fadil, Hamid Saufi, A. Laghzizil, M’hamed Taibi, Jean‐Michel Nunzi
Abstract
Metakaolin-based geopolymers (MKGP) were optimised by varying the operating conditions using the central composite design (CCD) and the response surface method (RSM) to optimise the operating variables affecting MKGP formation and their adsorption efficiency. The MKGP was characterised and tested for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from an aqueous environment. Results show that the MKGP5 with the most organised structure exhibits the highest MB removal efficiency. Parameters like the adsorbent dose, the pH, the contact time, the initial dye concentration, and the temperature were optimised to improve the adsorption efficiency of MB. The results also demonstrated the accuracy and feasibility of CCD simulation to develop a well-converted geopolymer adsorbent for water treatment.