Abstract

Optimization of conditions for the preparation of new adsorbent material from residues of marine sponges using experimental design method

Author(s): M.Tarbaoui, M.Oumam, N.Fakhfakh, B.El Amraoui, M.Benzina, A.Bennamara, M.Charrouf, A.Abourriche

An experimental design has been drawn up to optimize the experimental conditions of the preparation of an adsorbent material from residues of marine sponges. A series of adsorbent materials have been prepared by chemical activationwith sulfuric acid. Central composite design (CCD) was applied to study the influence of activation temperature, activation time and percentage of sulfuric acid on the chemical activation process of adsorbentmaterial. Two quadratic models were developed for yield of adsorbent material and methylene blue adsorption capacity using Design-Expert software NEMRODW. The models were used to calculate the optimumoperating conditions for preparation of adsorbent material providing a compromise between yield and adsorption capacity of the process. The yield (58.14 wt.%) and adsorption capacity (77.41%) of the adsorbentmaterial produced at these operating conditions showed an excellent agreement with the values predicted by the models. The optimal conditions with 77.41%of methylene blue adsorption capacity and 58.14% of adsorbent material yield are obtained when using 150.3 min as activation time 237°C as activation temperature and 48% as percentage of sulfuric acid.